What better way to spend the night before Labor Day than honoring the labors of one who has toiled the theatre soil for more than 50 years: Lucille Lortel. This doyenne of Off-Broadway (a theatre on Christopher St. bears her name) also founded and serves as artistic director of a theatre in Westport, CT, one she built back in 1947 to allow established artists "to work free of the stereotypes to which so many are confined after they have arrived."

The White Barn Theatre will celebrate its first half-century Aug. 31 with a special "Command Performance Gala," featuring tributes and performances, as well as a museum exhibit and "Green Room Reception."

Tax deductible donations for the event are $100.

Scheduled to appear at the Gala are George S. Irving, Joan Copeland, Frances Gershwin Godowsky, Geoffrey Holder, Carmen de Lavallade, Milo O'Shea (Mass Appeal), Anna Strasberg, cabaret singer Juliette Koka and playwright Lanford Wilson (Hot L Baltimore). Other invitees include Peter Falk, Sidney Lumet, Terrence McNally, Mary Steenburgen and Lilias White.

According to Variety, playwrights who've had their works premiere at the White Barn include Wilson, McNally, Murray Schisgal, Adrienne Kennedy and Langston Hughes. For tickets call (203) 227-3768.

--By David Lefkowitz