Comedians to Gather for Autism Benefit

[March 10, 2008]  NEW YORK (AP) -- After being surrounded by the dramatic heavyweight stars of the Oscars, Jon Stewart will play host again, this time amid a bevy of comedians.

Stewart will host the second biannual "Night of Too Many Stars: An Overbooked Benefit for Autism Education" on April 13 at the Beacon Theater in New York. The show will air live on Comedy Central (8 p.m. EST).

The night will feature stand-up routines, sketches and short films from a gluttony of comic talent, including Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Conan O'Brien, Stephen Colbert, Sarah Silverman and Amy Poehler.

It's the second such benefit and was organized in part due to Robert Smigel, whose son, Daniel, is autistic. Smigel's most famous character, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, will also be attendance.

The night will raise money for schools and education programs for autistic children and adults. A portion of the proceeds will also go to the advocacy group Autism Speaks. The first "Night of Too Many Stars," held in October 2006, raised more than $2.6 million.

It was also the first event to air live on Comedy Central. This year's broadcast will also be streamed online the day after. A $1.99 download of the show will be available on iTunes and xBox Live Marketplace, with all proceeds going to charity.

Also appearing will be Matthew Broderick, Jonah Hill, Kevin James, Rosie O'Donnell and Susie Essman.

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On the Net:

http://www.autismspeaks.org/

http://www.comedycentral.com/

[Associated Press; By JAKE COYLE]

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