Patrick Stewart, filmdom's Linda Hamilton and "Will & Grace's" Megan Mullally (a 2000 Ovation nominee) head the star presenters at Los Angeles' Ovation Awards, being given Oct. 30 at the Ahmanson Theatre. Joining them will be Amy Hill, songwriter Billy Barnes, Diana Bellamy, Ellen Geer, Eva Marie Saint, director and producer Garry Marshall, Geo Hartley, Gordon Davidson, Jane Kaczmarek, Jeffrey Hayden, Kathryn Joosten, Mako, deaf actress Marlee Matlin ("Children of a Lesser God"), and Phyllis Frelich.

With the Oct. 30 ceremony only weeks away, Los Angeles' Ovation Awards have announced the creative team dedicated to putting the night together. Michael Michetti, a double Ovation winner for his A Midsummer Night's Dream, directs the event with Eileen T'Kaye and Farrell Hirsch as executive producers and Michael Seel as producer.

Drama Desk Award nominee Melissa Van Der Schyff (Bonnie & Clyde) is spending her winter in the Chicago area, starring as silent film star Lina Lamont in Drury Lane Theatre's production of Singin' in the Rain. She offers a glimpse backstage and invites readers along as she discovers the many wonders the city has to offer.

Drama Desk Award nominee Melissa Van Der Schyff (Bonnie & Clyde) is spending her winter in the Chicago area, starring as silent film star Lina Lamont in Drury Lane Theatre's production of Singin' in the Rain. She offers a glimpse backstage and invites readers along as she discovers the many wonders the city has to offer.

This month we speak with Debbie Allen (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Scott Bakula (Dancing in the Dark), and Chita Rivera ("Johnny and the Sprites").

This month we speak with Debbie Allen (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), Scott Bakula (Dancing in the Dark), and Chita Rivera ("Johnny and the Sprites").

Here's a list of theatre awards in 1999; it is continuously updated throughout the year. Separate stories on most of these awards will be located in the U.S. news section of Playbill On-Line. For a rundown of 1998 Awards, please see the story, "Year in Review, the 1998 Theatre Awards."

Here's a list of theatre awards in 1997 that will be continuously updated as new honors are bestowed in 1998. Separate stories on most of these awards are located in the U.S. news section of Playbill On-Line.

Here's a list of upcoming theatre awards, and the winners of awards given earlier this year. Stories on most of these awards are located in the U.S. news section of Playbill On-Line.

Musical theatre favorite and popular Playbill contributor Nikka Graff Lanzarone is on her latest theatrical adventure at Chicago's Goodman Theatre, playing a 7'2" Peacock in the world premiere musical adaptation of The Jungle Book. The performer/photographer/blogger/podcaster shares a recent two-show day.

Musical theatre favorite and popular Playbill contributor Nikka Graff Lanzarone is on her latest theatrical adventure at Chicago's Goodman Theatre, playing a 7'2" Peacock in the world premiere musical adaptation of The Jungle Book. The performer/photographer/blogger/podcaster shares a recent two-show day.