Neil Simon, the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of some of the most successful plays in the history of Broadway, presents the inaugural lecture in the Brinker International Lecture Series, the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation announced.

In an unusual format, Simon will be interviewed by his long-time friend and colleague, Carl Reiner, the well-known writer, actor, comedian and director.

The Brinker International Lecture Series, produced by the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, debuts Monday, May 19, and will be Dallas' only lecture series devoted exclusively to the performing arts. The series will annually bring to Dallas the world's most distinguished performing artists representing theater, opera, film, musical theater, music and dance.

The Brinker International Lecture Series' venue is the Majestic Theatre until the completion of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, when the Series will relocate to the Center's Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.

All proceeds generated by The Brinker International Lecture Series will be used to help design and build the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts.

"The Brinker International Lecture Series will provide Dallas families with special access to the world's most distinguished and accomplished performing artists," said Bill Lively, president and CEO of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation. "Artists participating in The Brinker International Lecture Series will present lectures and panel discussions and, on occasion, provide master classes and symposia in Dallas' public and private schools, colleges and universities."

Brinker International recently gave a $1 million gift to help build the theaters to comprise the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts and to concurrently establish The Brinker International Lecture Series.

"Brinker International is privileged to be the presenting sponsor of a lecture series that will showcase some of the world's most remarkable performing artists and, in the process, generate support to help build the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts," said Ron McDougall, Brinker International's chairman and CEO. "The artists who will participate in The Brinker International Lecture Series will be of the stature and quality of those who will perform in the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts following its construction."

The 2003 Brinker International Lecture Series is also generously sponsored by The Dallas Morning News, WFAA Channel 8, KRLD NewsRadio 1080, American Airlines and The Mansion on Turtle Creek.