The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center will present the 15th annual Monte Cristo Award to theater, film and television actor Nathan Lane in recognition of his outstanding achievements and contributions to the American theater.

The Monte Cristo Award is presented to a prominent theater artist each year in recognition of a distinguished career exemplifying Eugene O'Neill's "pioneering spirit, unceasing artistic commitment, and excellence." Past recipients of the Award include Meryl Streep, Christopher Plummer, Michael Douglas, James Earl Jones, Harold Prince, Kevin Spacey, Neil Simon and Edward Albee.

A gala dinner in Lane's honor will be held at the Edison Ballroom in New York City on April 13. Tickets are on sale at www.theoneill.org. Table and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, contact Ainslie Seeber at (860) 443-5378, ext. 285, or events@theoneill.org.