In some respects, this is conventional Dalí, with an array of pictures, large and small, that reflect his broad imagination, defiance of convention and the colorful playfulness in which the painter indulged in breaking artistic barriers. That portion of the exhibition alone is dynamic. But there are also examples projected on large screens of his collaboration with filmmakers.

The obvious choices are there--“Un Chien andalou” (1929) and “L’Âge d’or (1930). But Dalí also did work for Walt Disney, and actually spent time working at the Disney Studio in connection with “Fantasia.” More interestingly, he also worked for Alfred Hitchcock, who asked him to do create dream sequences for “Spellbound.” On display are sketches for the film in addition to a continuous loop of the sequences.

Three of Dalí’s contributions were used in “Spellbound,” but there were revisions, and the credit he received in the final version was “based upon the designs of Salvador Dalí.”

There is also his masterly “The Battle of Trafalgar, as Seen from the Mizen Starboard Shrouds of the Victory.” The exhibit also reflects his religious interest, as with “The Tenth Plague of Egypt.”

There is, of course, the extra satisfaction of knowing how much good one is doing by supporting C-CAP, as was evident by one of the evening’s speakers, Lasheeda Perry, a personable young woman who explained that thanks to C-CAP, she was the first in her large family to go to collage by virtue of a $60,000 scholarship to Johnson & Wales. She has just graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. in Pastry Arts and Food Management, and she is headed into her first full-time job as a pastry cook at the Four Seasons Hotel in Dallas.

The benefit honored Alfred Portale, Executive Chef at Gotham Bar and Grill, a long-time C-CAP supporter, who spoke about his commitment to the non-profit organization. Al Roker of NBC’s The Today Show was back again as congenial Master of Ceremonies, and chef Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit, Riingo and Merkato 55 was Chair of the Chef Committee. The event itself was chaired by Carol and N. Richard Kalikow, with Susan and Richard Grausman serving as Vice Chairs. This year’s Platinum Sponsors were the Joseph and Sylvia Slifka Foundation and Zabar’s & Co.

In addressing the gathering and expressing thanks for the support, C-CAP president and founder Richard Grausman noted that his daughter Jennifer Grausman, has produced and directed a feature documentary film, “Pressure Cooker,” edited and co-directed by Mark Becker. Three Philadelphia high school seniors are followed as they study in a culinary arts class, eventually competing in C-CAP competitions. Participant Media (Al Gore’s Oscar-winning documentary, “An inconvenient Truth”) has come on board as executive producer.

Helping to raise funds at the benefit was a silent auction featuring such items as accommodations as The Blantyre Hotel in Massachusetts, packages at Canyon Ranch in Tuscon, and an at-home dinner prepared by Marcus Samuellson, as well as a day in the kitchen at Gotham Bar and Grill topped by dinner for eight prepared by Chef Portale.

Covering the benefit includes the sampling the food, and there was an embarrassment of riches. To name just a few of my favorites: Seared diver scallop from Café des Artistes; lobster cannelloni with American sturgeon caviar from Compass; rabbit terrine with candied kumquats from Dovetail; charred yellowtail hamachi, baby bok choy and seasonal mushrooms from Michael’s; yellowtail pastrami salad from Morimoto; Natucket bay scallops with marney, citrus and charoli nuts from Oceana; classic steak tartare with fresh baby herb salad from Patroon; Peking duck from Shun Lee Palace; braised short rib “parmigiano” with asparagus salad from Union Square Café; hot smoked salmon with crisp salmon skin salad from Aquavit and tuna spring roll with crisp shallots and chili mayonnaise from Buddakan.

Among the dessert favorites: banana tart tatin with malted milk ice cream from Craft; quince cheesecake with pistachio phyllo from Gramercy Tavern; brownies with raspberry ganache from The Modern; rice pudding tart from Sarabeth’s and various others.( One has to quit somewhere.)

In a new addition, this year more than 60 New York City C-CAP high school culinary students could be seen assisting the chefs of the restaurants at the tasting. Since its founding in 1990 C-CAP has awarded $22.2 million in scholarships, including a record-breaking $3.65 million last year. Many students have gone on to jobs in New York and other parts of the country. In addition to its New York program, C-CAP also has programs in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Hampton Roads, VA, Washington, D.C. and Arizona. In the past academic year the organization has served 266 high school teachers in 204 public schools, and 22,603 students involved in their classes. C-CAP donated $278,960 worth of supplies and equipment to participating schools.

Restaurants represented included Abigail Kirsch Pier Sixty, Aquavit, Aureole, Beacon, Blue Hill, Buddakan, Café des Artistes, Compass, Craft, dbBistro Moderne, Del Posto, Dovetail, Felidia, Fiamma, 57 at Four Seasons, Gilt, Gotham Bar and Grill, Gramercy Tavern, Landmarc, Michael’s, The Modern, Morimoto, Nobu 57, Oceana, Patroon, Payard Bistro, Picholine, Porter House New York, Primehouse New York, Riingo, San Domenico, Sarabeth’s, Shun Lee Palace, Tabla, Telepan, Town and Union Square Café.

Copeland, teaming with Robert Heller, illuminated the drama that involves Leonara and Lee, two lifelong friends talking about their lives and revealing their disparate feelings and mutual ties. The work is a mixture of poignancy and sly humor, and the duo was effective in conveying the essence of the characters, their attachment and conflicts.

Copeland has won two Drama Desk Awards, one for her performance as Rose in “The American Clock,” another for her performance as Vera in “Pal Joey.” Heller’s stage credits include “Marathon ’33,” “Salome” and “The Cradle Will Rock.” Both Copeland and Heller are lifetime members of the Actors Studio.

The event was produced by Robin Lane-Krauss, of the National Arts Club’s Roundtable and Theatre/Drama Committee. She is also a lifetime member of the Actors Studio.

In honoring esteemed Alfred Portale, Executive Chef at the Gotham Bar and Grill, there will not only be the impressive food tasting extravaganza for which the C-CAP benefits have become known, with top New York restaurants contributing samplings of their specialties. More than 60 New York City C-CAP high school culinary students will be assisting the chefs of these renowned restaurants.

The student-helper concept for the event, on February 27, 6:30-9:00 pm, at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, fittingly reflects the aim of the non-profit organization, which trains high school students for career opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industries. Since 1990 C-CAP has awarded $22.2 million in scholarships, including a record-breaking $3.65 million last year. Many students have gone on to jobs in New York and other parts of the country.

“Each year our supporters gather at the sold-out event to enjoy culinary creations by New York’s top chefs,” says Richard Grausman, founder and president of the organization. “While enjoying the fabulous food, they are supporting C-CAP’s mission to provide underserved high school students with training, scholarship and jobs.”

In addition to its New York program, C-CAP also has programs in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Hampton Roads, VA, Washington, D.C. and Arizona. In the past academic year the organization has served 266 high school teachers in 204 public schools, and 22,603 students involved in their classes. C-CAP donated $278,960 worth of supplies and equipment to participating schools.

Helping to orchestrate this year’s program is television celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson of Aquavit, Riingo and Merkato 55 restaurants. Some 36 restaurants will be represented, and Charmer Sunbelt Group will be donating wine and champagne. A silent auction with high level prizes will be held as part of the fund-raising effort. Chairs for the event are Carol and N. Richard Kalikow, with vice-chairs Susan and Richard Grausman. TV star Al Roker will be back as Master of Ceremonies.

Restaurants represented include Abigail Kirsch Pier Sixty, Aquavit, Aureole, Beacon, Blue Hill, Buddakan, Café des Artistes, Compass, Craft, dbBistro Moderne, Del Posto, Dovetail, Felidia, Fiamma, Gilt, Gordon Ramsay at The London, Gotham Bar and Grill, Gramercy Tavern, Landmarc, Michael’s, The Modern, Morimoto, Nobu 57, Olives New York, Patroon, Payard Patisserie & Bistro, Picholine, Porter House New York, Primehouse New York, Riingo, San Domenico, Sarabeth’s, Shun Lee Palace, Tabla, Telepan and Town.

To give you an idea of how it works, Cab Callaway was born in 1907. Hence, smooth Allan Harris was on hand to deliver a rousing “Minnie the Moocher,” Callaway style, with the audience chiming in without even being asked. Gene Autry, the singing cowboy of records and music was born that year, which provided the occasion for Tim Sullivan (KT’s brother) to turn up with the western-slanted musical backup group The Sons of the Pioneers (Gary Cook, Matt Palmer, Joel Racheff) to sing “Red River Valley” and other Autry hits

The most daring expedition of the evening was Olivia Stevens’s performing of songs made known by Swedish signer Zara Leander, who during the Nazi regime in Germany snuggled up to the Nazi bigwigs, with her songs broadcast to Allied troops. As a woman of Jewish origins, Stevens nevertheless has the nerve to explore and imitate the one-time star, born in 1907, and with her sultry voice, she puts on an impressive show.

The World War II war years from the U.S. perspective were reflected by the appealing Valerie Lemon in an ode to Jane Froman, who was severely injured in a plane crash while traveling to entertain troops. She was joined by a quartet dubbed “The Jane Froman Singers.”

Naturally, KT got into the act, recalling memories of Kate Smith (also 1907) and singing her theme song “When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain,” and also another one that became a Smith hit, “We’ll Meet Again.”

Among the 1907 brigade remembered were also Alec Wilder, Connee Boswell and Paul Francis Webster. Artists joining in the 1907 salute with their appealing performances included Karen Kohler, Nancy McGraw and Craig Rubino, all contributing importantly to the theme. The musicians providing backup included Jon Weber on piano, Guus Wesdorp on piano, Steve Doyle on bass and the clarinet duo of Peter and Will Anderson. The event was directed by Eric Michael Gillett, who also performed powerfully (Edward Heyman’s “When I Fall in Love”) and made much of KT being one of his first friends in show business. Ted Firth was musical director.

Saint-Aubin not only had a remarkable ability to draw figures so miniature that one really should have a magnifying class to examine the detail, but he was a chronicler of life in Paris, where he resided throughout his creative career. Looking at some of his work provides an inkling of what certain aspects of Paris were like. Saint-Aubin was enamored of the theater and the opera. For example, his pen, watercolor and gouache over graphite pencil on paper depiction of Lully’s opera “Armide” as performed at the Palais-Royal is magnificent in its minute detail of the stage and the audience.

His oil on canvas work “A Street Show in Paris” captures the spirit of populist entertainment. His impressive “Salon du Louvre” recalls the time when artists would gather to present their works at the Louvre in a much-awaited event. Here again, Saint-Aubin impresses with the great detail he was able to pack into his meticulous creations. Some of his most noted achievements are included, such as his “The Triumph of Pompey 61 BC.”

According to The Frick, this is the first major retrospective on the artist in more than eighty years, as well as the first to include works from both sides of the Atlantic.

Robert Clark founded the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and Stephen Clark was a trustee of and donor to the Metropolitan. The brothers were heirs to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune.

Strolling through the rooms one can see works by Degas Monet, Pissarro, Renoir, Homer and Sargent that come from Sterling Clark’s collection, as well as paintings by Cézanne, Seurat, Matisse, Picasso, Eakins and Hopper, which were those favored and collected by Stephen Clark. This marks the first time that they have been assembled and seen together.

Handman, seated center stage before a crowd at tables where they had been dining, regaled those attending with anecdotes about his past, praise for his many students and reminiscences about the American Place Theatre and the productions that he brought to the public over the years. He exhibited a sparkling sense of humor and enthusiasm that has lasted through the decades. He had some sage advice for those working in the theater and projected the charm and wisdom that has made him an icon for so many who had worked or studied with him.

A sketch directed by Ed Sherin was performed in his honor, with various former students and colleagues taking part. Among the notables who spoke were actor playwright Sam Shepard, who recalled humorously the leeway Handman extended when Shepard was a youth who didn’t know many bounds. Among others on hand to pay tribute were Joanne Woodward, Olympia Dukakis, Barbara Cook, Doris Roberts and Sam Waterston.

The big names are swimming in the volume-- Katharine Cornell, Gloria Swanson, Ruth Gordon, Helen Hayes, Eugene O’Neill, Katharine Hepburn. It’s a veritable treasure trove of who’s who, with interviews galore. The material might be better organized, but it is generously all there. Notes Ward III in his preface: