Nathan Lane Receives the Eugene O'Neill Center's Monte Cristo Award

Nathan Lane is honored at the 15th Annual Monte Cristo Award Ceremony

From the LifeMinute Team

April 17, 2015

Stars of stage and screen gathered at the Edison Ballroom this week to honor Nathan Lane, this year's recipient of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's Monte Cristo Award honoring outstanding achievements and contributions to the American Theater.

Actor and O'Neill trustee Brian Dennehy, who recently co-starred with Lane in O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh on Broadway, presented Lane with the award "which they give every year to that person they feel that's helped most to keep Mr. O'Neill's work alive," Dennehy explains.

"Eugene O'Neill pioneered the American Drama, and he was the first to bring realism to the American Drama," says Preston Whiteway, Executive Director of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, "And honoring one of the leading men of the American theater, Nathan Lane, is a lot of fun."

The program featured musical adaptations and stage acts by performers including actor Patrick Page who says of the Monte Cristo Award, "It's been given to people like Meryl Streep and Kevin Spacey; it's a big honor."

Actor Matthew Broderick, who gave remarks during the ceremony, was happy for the opportunity to pay homage to Lane, his long-time friend and colleague of over 20 years. "It's been great to get yet another chance to work with him and now to celebrate him tonight. You know, I think he's the best," says Broderick.

"It's very, very meaningful. The fact that it bears [O'Neill's] name is incredibly moving to me in what he represents," says Nathan Lane of the honor, "It's just a lovely surprise, really, and makes you feel you've been on the right path."

For more information about the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and highlights from the event, visit www.TheONeill.org.