Kristen Johnston to Co-Host 24th Annual Lucille Lortel Awards

Kristen Johnston will co-host the 2009 Lucille Lortel Awards ceremony, set to take place May 3 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Johnston’s co-host will be announced shortly. The annual Lortel Awards recognize outstanding achievements off-Broadway in fourteen different categories.

Johnston will be accompanied by many guest presenters, including Impressionism stars Jeremy Irons and Marsha Mason, Lortel Award winner Parker Posey, Tony Award nominee Kerry Butler, Waiting for Godot's John Glover and Tony winner Phyllis Newman. Additional presenters and performers will be announced at a later date.

Now in its 24th year, the Lortel Awards are produced by the Off-Broadway League by special arrangement with the Lucille Lortel Foundation. This year’s event will benefit The Actors Fund. The awards are given in the following categories: Play, Musical, Solo Show, Revival, Alternative Theatrical Experience, Director, Choreographer, Lead Actor and Actress, Featured Actor and Actress, Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Design.

A complete list of 2009’s nominees is available here.