The stars come out for 13P at the Public Theater!

Last night at the Public Theater, a benefit was held for 13P, the scorchingly hot group of 13 playwrights dedicated to producing 13 new productions of their plays.  13P has won an Obie award and has rapidly gained recognition for their work.  And last night was a chance for their fans, supporters, and many members of the artistic community to help 13p complete their goals.

Douglas Carter Beane (writer of "The Little Dog Laughed", "To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar", and the upcoming Broadway version of "Xanadu") was the master of ceremonies, lending his own sense of humor to the evening.

Academy Award winner Estelle Parsons ("Rachel, Rachel" and "Bonnie and Clyde") performed a couple of rousing numbers for the crowd.

Actor James Urbaniak wowed the audience by exercising his language skills from the hit 13P show, "The Internationalist."

Jose Llana sang a song from his role in the Tony award winning show, "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

Tony award nominated actress Lisa Kron ("Well") had the crowd laughing at her stories about working in the theater.

Some of the Ps pose for a moment with friends.

13P member, Sheila Callaghan, added her own wonderful song to the night that had the crowd cheering for more.

An unexpected surprise came from Tony nominated playwright Tina Howe ("Painting Churches" and "Coastal Disturbances").  She announced that the The Dramatists Guild of America would be awarding a prize to 13p this year for their hard work in creating new ways for theater and playwrights to grow in New York.

13P member Madeline George takes a moment to pose for the camera.

Playwright David Grimm wrote a special poem for the occasion about the secret sex lives of authors.  This naughty ditty had many of the audience laughing and others blushing from its comic honesty.

Addie Johnson and Rebecca Hart sang two songs by 13P member Sarah Ruhl. 

Actress Kathryn Grody stopped in to tell her own comic tale of how Martin Sheen set her up unexpectedly with an audition for Joseph Papp at the Public Theater.

And the cap to the evening was a show stopping number from Euan Morton, star of the Broadway musical "Taboo."  Euan sang "Hallelujah" from his new CD NewClear.  Based on this performance alone, I am headed off to iTunes to get myself a copy!

Finally, the 13P took to the stage as Douglas Carter Beane introduced each one and told about one odd job that they have held while struggling to make it as playwrights.

The after party and silent auction, rounded out the night with some fierce bidding on a range of items.  Thanks to Idol vodka for supporting 13P and helping to loosen those purse strings.

Here we see 13P members Rob Handel and Sheila Callaghan posing with Rob's parents and 13P supporters Mr. and Mrs. Handel.

Madeline George and Lisa Kron pause to talk between bidding on silent auction items.

13P member Lucy Thuber with David Grimm and the Public's artistic director Oskar Eustis.

13P member, Winter Miller, posing with Tina Howe.

Estelle Parsons poses with friends and 13P supporters.

tags: 13p  euan morton  estelle parsons  lisa kron  new york  public theater  joes pub  oscar award  award  tony award  douglas carter beane  james urbaniak  jose llana  spelling bee  tina howe  david grimm  playwright  oskar eustis  kathryn grody  rob handel  

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