If you’ve never stopped to wonder who, exactly, came out of Waterford’s own Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, here’s some perspective: Their 12th annual Monte Cristo Award  (named after O’Neill’s boyhood home) will go to Michael Douglas at a gala celebration in New York City in April 2012. 

Yes, Mr. Douglas started his career right here, in southeastern Connecticut, 1966-68. How cool is that? Douglas holds a special place in my heart, anyway, as the embattled husband in Fatal Attraction – and as a totally different character in Traffic. Of course, there are too many movies to count. Douglas is an icon.

The Monte Cristo award is given in recognition of a distinguished career exemplifying O’Neill’s own traits of “pioneering spirit, unceasing artistic commitment, and excellence.” Kevin Spacey and James Earl Jones, among others, have received this award. Douglas’ lovely wife, Catherine Zeta Jones, will present it to him.

Next time you’re in town, make sure you stop by and see this iconic theater center, the start of too many promising theater artists to count. It’s truly one of our region’s landmarks.

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