Presented by the Blanton-Peale Institute, the award presentations will be part of the organization's annual Gala Awards Dinner at the University Club in Manhattan. In addition to Clark and Jones, Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Donna deVarona, editor/publisher Kenneth S. Giniger and Carret Asset Management Senior Management Director David P. Pearson will also be honored.
The Norman Vincent Peale Award for Positive Thinking, according to press notes, "recognizes individuals whose lives exemplify the power of thinking positively, with faith, deep caring for people, and a dedicated commitment to improving our world." Bartlett Sher, who directed Clark in The Light in the Piazza, will present the Tony-winning actress with her award.
Victoria Clark received a 2005 Tony Award for her performance in The Light in the Piazza. Her other Broadway credits include Cabaret, Urinetown, Titanic, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Guys and Dolls and A Grand Night for Singing. Among Clark's screen credits are "Cradle Will Rock," "Law & Order," "Law & Order: SVU" and "Sweeney Todd in Concert." As a director, she recently helmed the 92nd Street Y's "Lyrics & Lyricists" series Serenade in Blue: The Mack Gordon Song Calvacade. This season will see Clark onstage in Nicky Silver's The Agony and the Agony and the City Center Encores! production of Follies.
James Earl Jones won Tony Awards for his performances in The Great White Hope and Fences and was also Tony-nominated for his work in On Golden Pond, his most recent Broadway appearance. The actor has also been seen on Broadway in "MASTER HAROLD"…and the boys, Othello, A Lesson from Aloes, Paul Robeson, Of Mice and Men, The Iceman Cometh, Les Blancs, A Hand Is on the Gate, Danton's Death, Infidel Caesar, The Cool Wind and Sunrise at Campobello.
The University Club is located in Manhattan at One West 54th Street. Tickets, priced at $500, are available by visiting www.blantonpeale.org or by calling (212) 838-2660, ext. 14. *
The Blanton-Peale Institute, founded in 1937 by Rev. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and psychiatrist Smiley Blanton, MD, brings together "the insights of depth psychology and psychotherapy with the wisdom of the great spiritual traditions to help men and women, families, clergy and caregivers manage the psychological, emotional, and spiritual issues of everyday life."
