New Dramatists, an organization which has developed works by such playwrights as John Patrick Shanley, James Baldwin, Emily Mann and John Guare, will use its 48th annual fundraising luncheon to honor John Kander and Fred Ebb, the musical team behind Cabaret, Flora The Red Menace, Chicago and the new Steel Pier. Both are expected to attend the May 20 event at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan. Though Liza Minnelli (The Rink, Cabaret on film) will serve as honorary chair for the event, Chita Rivera will be presenting the award to the team that also gave us Zorba, Kiss Of The Spider Woman and Woman Of The Year. Rivera won a Tony for her Spider Woman, and another for playing Liza's mom in The Rink. Also appearing at the luncheon will be Gwen Verdon (the original Roxie in Chicago) and singer/comedienne Kaye Ballard.
Previous award winners have included Verdon, Glenn Close, Jule Styne, Zoe Caldwell, Stephen Sondheim and Hume Cronyn.
For tickets ($150) and information on the 11:15 AM gala at the Marriott's Broadway Ballroom, call (212) 757-6960.