Bits And Pieces 04.05.12

Pollock-Krasner Benefit

    Stony Brook University will honor Ed Harris, an actor, writer, and director, at its 2012 Stars of Stony Brook Gala on April 25 at Chelsea Piers in New York City. The event will also honor the Pollock-Krasner Foundation, which has issued a $1 million challenge grant to help the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in Springs establish an endowment during this centennial anniversary year of Pollock’s birth.

    Mr. Harris played the title role in “Pollock,” a film he also directed, some of it filmed at the house where he did some research for the movie. He was most recently seen playing John McCain in the HBO movie “Game Change.” He and his wife, Amy Madigan, are starring in a Beth Henley play “The Jacksonian” in Los Angeles.

    The Pollock-Krasner Foundation aids artists of merit who demonstrate financial need and also provides money to the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center for general operations and scholarly programs.

    The evening begins with a cocktail reception at 6:30, followed by dinner at 7:30. Ticket prices start at $750. To reserve tickets or arrange for sponsorships, Tamara Leuchtenburg can be contacted at [email protected].

Bill Patton Show

    Bill Patton, a former Hampton Day School teacher, will star in a play he has written, “One for the Road” at the Payan Theatre @ Roy Arias Studios in New York City tomorrow through Sunday.

    In his one-man performance, Mr. Patton’s character Billy is contemplating suicide. His departed spirit, who is also played by Mr. Patton, refuses to go through the dark door to the other side until he is convinced that Billy has resolved all of his conflicts. The play is an examination of lifelong conflicts between lust and love, faith and doubt, racism and freedom.

    Tomorrow’s performance is at 6 p.m. The weekend performances are at 2:15 p.m. each day.