1950s Movie Musicals Set Tone for The New York Public Library's 2002 Young Lions Benefit

Red-Carpet Welcome for Revelers at April 25 Party

New York, NY, March 12, 2002 -- Think: An American in Paris, High Society, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Singin' in the Rain. Think: Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Gene Kelly. Now think: What a Glorious Evening! The Magic of Movie Musicals. Classic movie musicals from the 1950s set the mood for The New York Public Library's annual Young Lions cocktail dance benefit on Thursday, April 25. This year's party celebrates the creative process of filmmaking, highlighting the extensive holdings of film materials in The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Proceeds from the benefit will be directed toward the collections of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center at Lincoln Center.

With guests dressed in their best "Movie Star Moxie" attire, the glamorous affair will be led by Co-chairmen Emily Lyon Allen, Eliza Reed Bolen, Belle Burden Davis, Hannah Griswold, Jacqueline Pugh, and Stacey Bendet Wiener. The list of vice chairs includes some appropriately Hollywood names: Wes Anderson, Ethan Hawke, and Uma Thurman. The benefit begins at 9 p.m. and ends at 1 a.m.

Décor by Mark Musters of Musters & Company will transform the Celeste Bartos Forum recreating the atmosphere of a swanky 1950s Hollywood première. Entertainment will be staged by Chi Chi Valenti. Hors d'oeuvres, finger foods, and desserts will be prepared by Creative Edge. Guests will be able to take a breather from dancing to music spun by DJ Johnny Dynell and take in a film montage in the Bubble Lounge.

The New York Public Library is known for its imaginative fundraisers. "What a Glorious Evening!" is the fourteenth annual benefit for younger library supporters. Last year, the Young Lions hosted "POP: A Tour Through the Candy-Colored '60s," and benefits in years past haveincluded an "Explorer's Ball," a "March Hare's Ball," a "Roman Bacchanal," a "Salute to Fahrenheit 451," a "Tribute to the Sea," and a "Tribute to the Beat Generation: A Literary Happening." .

Ticket prices begin at $150 if purchased ahead of time. Tickets purchased at the door (if available) will be $200. To purchase tickets, please call (212) 930-0730.

Support for the design and printing of the invitation has been generously provided by Origins Natural Resources.

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Contact: Sabina Potaczek, Herb Scher, Cara Chiappetta 212.221.7676

 

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