Whoopi Goldberg has signed on for a one-night benefit appearance in the off-Broadway production of Spalding Gray: Stories Left to Tell at the Minetta Lane Theatre. On June 5, Goldberg will perform the role of "Career" to celebrate what would have been the late actor/monologist's birthday. The performance will benefit several charities and culminate with the presentation of the second annual Spalding Gray Award, given to an up-and-coming avant-garde artist or company. The Ross School Award, presented to one middle school student and one high school student who show strong skills in writing autobiographical monologues, will also be presented. Gray's oldest son Forrest currently attends The Ross School, a private K-12 school in East Hampton, NY.
On June 6, the birthday festivities continue at the Chelsea Barnes and Noble, where a number of celebrated authors will read excerpts from Gray's monologues. Among those slated to participate are Michael Cunningham The Hours, Jonathan Ames Wake Up, Sir!, Jules Feiffer and his wife, Jenny Allen The Long Chalkboard, Paul Muldoon Moy Sand and Gravel, Doug Wright I Am My Own Wife, Grey Gardens and Philip Lopate Portrait of My Body.
Spalding Gray was one of the theater's most revered and irreverent storytellers, known for his hilarious and moving monologues. Conceived by his widow, Kathleen Russo, and directed by Lucy Sexton, Spalding Gray: Stories Left to Tell assembles both well-known and never-before-seen work spanning Gray's life and career.
Spalding Gray: Stories Left to Tell features an ensemble cast of five, including Katheen Chalfant, Hazelle Goodman and Frank Wood and a rotating special guest actor. Future guests include playwright/actor Charles Busch May 23-June 6, Bones star David Boreanaz June 6-10 and Ugly Betty star Chris Gorham June 12-17.
