F. Murray Abraham and Kristen Johnston to Host Atlantic Theater Gala

The Atlantic Theater Company has announced that its 2008 spring gala will be hosted by the company's current Almost and Evening star F. Murray Abraham and Atlantic ensemble member Kristen Johnston. The gala, entitled “Why Can't It Be a Musical? An Evening of Unexpected Musical Adaptations,” will take place at the Rainbow Room on April 28.

The Atlantic gala will include an original tribute to the genre of musical adaptations while celebrating its own award-winning history. Proceeds will benefit Atlantic's new play development programs and its arts education and outreach programs, including “Atlantic For Kids” children's productions and Atlantic's in-classroom “Student and Educators” series.

Academy Award-winner Abraham made his Atlantic debut this season in the world premiere of Ethan Coen's comedy Almost an Evening, now playing at the Bleecker Street Theatre following its sold-out run at Atlantic Stage 2. Abraham also appeared on Broadway this season in Theresa Rebeck's Mauritius.

Emmy Award-winner and Atlantic ensemble member Kristen Johnston returned to the company this season in the world premiere production of playwright Lucy Thurber's Scarcity. Best known as Sally Soloman on NBC's hit series “3rd Rock from the Sun, Johnston has previously appeared at Atlantic in Rosemary for Remembrance, Five Very Live and The Lights, which earned her a Drama Desk Award nomination.