Even as the story of Ed Kleban is being played out every night on the Broadway stage in A Class Act, the late lyricist's legacy continues at the foundation he created. This year's Kleban Award, recognizing excellence in theatre lyrics and libretti, has been awarded to Patrick Cook, John Bucchino and Charles Leipart, spokesman Alan J. Stein told Playbill On-Line.

Leipart won for his libretto for a show called The Showgirl of 52nd Street, while Patrick Cook and John Bucchino share the prize for lyrics. Each will receive a cash prize of $100,000 (Cook and Bucchino will split the amount), to be allotted in two payments.

Cook's credits include Captains Courageous, which played Manhattan Theatre Club last season.

The Kleban award was established in 1988 under the will of Edward L. Kleban, Pulitzer Prize-winning lyricist for A Chorus Line. It made a provision for the annual award to be given to the most promising lyricist and librettist in American musical theatre. The panel of judges included lyricist Nan Knighton, composer Michael John LaChiusa, and Glenn Slater.

The prize will be officially presented in a ceremony in June. No official date has been announced. —By Robert Simonson