On Feb. 27 Ruehl will take part in the series, which offers lectures by some of the theatre's top actors, writers, directors, musicians and visual artists. A project of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, previous participants include Edward Albee, Betty Comden, Alan Bates, Olympia Dukakis, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Cherry Jones, Ming Cho Lee, Lloyd Richards, Sidney Poitier, Roy Scheider, Herb Gardner and Lynn Redgrave. Wonderful Town's Jennifer Westfeldt kicked off the 2004 series last month. Ruehl will speak about her experiences in theatre, television and film, and a question-and-answer session will follow. The lecture will be held at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting at 6:30 PM.

Mercedes Ruehl won a Tony Award for her work in Neil Simon's Lost in Yonkers and was nominated for her performances in The Goat and The Shadow Box. Her other theatre credits include Other People's Money, The Marriage of Bette and Boo and I'm Not Rappaport.

The Stella Adler Studio of Acting is located in Manhattan at 31 West 27th Street. The event is free, although a $5 donation is suggested; seating is limited. Reservations may be made by calling (212) 689-0087.