A contingent from Victory Gardens is preparing for a trip to New York to accept their Tony Award for regional theatre June 3. On Monday, June 4, members of the New York theatrical community will host a cocktail reception at the Friars Club to recognize and introduce the Tony Award-winning artists and playwrights of Victory Gardens and New Dramatists, two theaters dedicated to new plays and playwrights. This reception is underwritten by the Burstein Family Foundation. A press brunch is also being scheduled in New York for Sunday, June 3. Plans for a mayoral proclamation ceremony in Chicago are tentatively set for June 6, and a “Touch the Tony” celebration for friends, subscribers and supporters of Victory Gardens is planned for June 28 at the Chicago Cultural Center. Lesbian playwright Claudia Allen has been a critical part of Victory Gardens for many years.