WESTPORT, Conn. (AP) – Actress Joanne Woodward was saluted Saturday by entertainers and fellow actors at the renovated playhouse she led for six years.

Woodward has been credited for spearheading a $28 million fund-raising drive that transformed a summer stock playhouse created from an old barn into a year-round venue. The Westport Country Playhouse, where she was honored with a benefit performance and dinner, opened in June.

Woodward said she met for lunch with playhouse staff in 1999 to determine what she could do to help. Within a year, she was running the show.

“And so, Joanne has been paying for that lunch ever since,” said actor James Naughton, who kicked off the performances.

Woodward, 75, said her goal was to renovate the playhouse. Of her decision to step down, she said, “We’d done the main thing that I was anxious to do.”

Tazewell Thompson, a director and playwright, will succeed her Jan 1.

Woodward, who with her husband, actor Paul Newman, is a Westport resident, said she plans to stay involved with the playhouse. She will serve on the board of directors and may also act, direct or help with the theater’s educational programs.

About 600 people, including actors Charles Grodin and Gene Wilder, paid $500 or more to celebrate Woodward’s contribution. Actress Glenn Close, violinist Joshua Bell and singer Tony Bennett entertained.

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Information from: The Advocate, http://www.stamfordadvocate.com

AP-ES-10-16-05 1348EDT