LuPone received the award for her "her outstanding contributions to the theatre."

The Drowsy Chaperone's Bob Martin was the emcee for the entertainment portion of the evening, at which four-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald performed.

Perhaps best known her for work as TV sleuth Jessica Fletcher on "Murder, She Wrote," Angela Lansbury is one of the most celebrated stars of the Broadway stage. She received Tony Awards for her performances in Sweeney Todd, Gypsy, Dear World and Mame. Her numerous film credits include "Gaslight," "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "The Manchurian Candidate," all of which brought the actress Academy Award nominations.

A Tony Award winner for her work in Evita, Patti LuPone also earned an Olivier Award for her performances in the West End productions of Lés Misérables and The Cradle Will Rock. Her other theatrical credits include Sunset Boulevard, Anything Goes, Oliver!, Working, The Old Neighborhood, Master Class and Pal Joey. LuPone also received glowing notices and a Tony nomination for her performance as Mrs. Lovett in the recent revival of Sweeney Todd.

At left (from top): Passion co-stars Audra McDonald and Patti LuPone with Tom Fontana; emcee Bob Martin and Dana Ivey; presenter Angela Lansbury and Audra McDonald; producing artistic director for The Acting Company Margot Harley and Alan Rickman.

Below: Chair of the Acting Company's Actors Advisory Board Angela Lansbury presents honoree Patti Lupone with the John Houseman Award.

photos by Anita and Steve Shevett