54th Annual OBIE awards will take place on 18 May at Webster Hall

The Village Voice, the nation�s largest alternative weekly newspaper, has announced the 54th Annual OBIE awards will take place on 18 May 2009 at the newly landmarked Webster Hall in the East Village.

The OBIES will be co-hosted by Martha Plimpton and Daniel Breaker at an invitation-only ceremony. A list of notable presenters will be released soon.

Martha Plimpton won an OBIE in 2002 for her performance in 'Hobson's Choice.' She starred as 'Gladys Bumps' in this season�s revival of 'Pal Joey.'

Daniel Breaker is a 2008 OBIE Award winner for his performance in the ensemble cast of 'Passing Strange' and is appearing on Broadway now in the musical 'Shrek.'

For the past half-century, the The Village Voice Obie Awards have honored the best of Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway. Structured with informal categories that change annually, The Village Voice Obie Awards recognize persons and productions of excellence. Unlike most theater awards, The Village Voice Obie Awards have no nominations.