Tony Award-winning theatre and television star -- and Boston University alumnus -- Jason Alexander (“Broadway Bound,” “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway” and TV’s “Seinfeld”) will host and perform at the Huntington Theatre Company’s 2007 "Spotlight Spectacular!" gala benefit celebrating the company’s 25th anniversary season on Monday, April 30, at the new Westin Boston Waterfront. 
 
Proceeds from "Spotlight Spectacular!" support the Huntington’s programs, including its award-winning youth, education, and community outreach initiatives.  Last year the gala raised more than $550,000.
 
This year’s event honors Huntington Board members Sherryl and Gerard Cohen, who have been loyal patrons and significant supporters to the company for many years. The Cohens will receive The Wimberly Award, named for long-time Huntington Board Chairman J. David Wimberly and presented to those who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to the Huntington.

Jason Alexander (at left) began his professional acting career on the New York stage. On Broadway, he appeared in Stephen Sondheim's “Merrily We Roll Along,” Kander & Ebb's “The Rink,” Neil Simon's “Broadway Bound”, “Accomplice” and “Jerome Robbins' Broadway,” for which he won the 1989 Tony Award and Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Musical.
 
A year later, Alexander joined the legendary cast of “Seinfeld,” one of the most famous television situation comedies of all time.  Playing hapless George Costanza, Alexander received seven Emmy Award nominations as Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.  He also was nominated for his appearance in the HBO comedy “Dream On” in 1994.  Returning to the stage in 2003, Alexander was cast opposite Martin Short in a successful Los Angeles run of Mel Brooks' “The Producers.”
 
Alexander maintains strong ties to BU, serving on the advisory board of the College of Fine Arts and as Honorary Dean of the University’s “Semester in L.A.” program. He frequently conducts master classes for BU School of Theatre students.
 
Boston University’s 25-year partnership with the Huntington will also be celebrated at this year's event. The Huntington was established in 1982 as a professional theatre in residence at the University. Four years later the company became an independent not–for–profit professional organization with strong ties to the school.  As its largest donor, the University provides the Huntington with significant financial support and in-kind support in the form of its main performance venue, the BU Theatre.  In return the Huntington provides educational enhancement training and internships to students across the university as well as on-stage and behind-the-scenes opportunities.  Between Huntington shows, the company’s production staff assists in the development of student productions at the Boston University Theatre.
 
Chaired by Huntington Trustee Kristine Scoon and her husband Davey, the "Spotlight Spectacular!" features an elegant cocktail reception where guests can bid on unique silent auction items.  A seated dinner, live auction and entertainment by the Huntington’s special friends follows the reception.
 
An online auction currently allows Huntington patrons and friends to bid on many items prior to the event.  Among the exciting auction items are a Tony Awards package including tickets to the 2007 awards show and post-show dinner, concert tickets to see The Police at Fenway Park this summer, numerous Red Sox/Yankees tickets, and an Executive Suite for 22 at a 2007 Boston Red Sox game.  The online auction can be found at www.huntington.cmarket.com.
 
Tables for the "Spotlight Spectacular!" range from $7,500 to $25,000.  Individual tickets are $500 and $1,500.  For more information about the event, to sponsor a table, or to purchase tickets, contact Michelle Williams at 617-273-1536 or MWilliams@huntingtontheatre.bu.edu.

-- OnStage Boston