From Spike Lee to Rachael Leigh Cook: Celebs plan party in St. Paul for RNC

In September, the Twin Cities will be flooded with Republicans, protesters and the media but the historic Republican National Convention will also feature a party with the "Who’s Who" of Hollywood. The Creative Coalition, an educational nonprofit composed of members of the entertainment industry, released its attendees list for the RNC. The delegation will include more than a dozen well-known actors, writers and producers.

The coalition will be producing a series of educational and policy-based events throughout the convention, to be held Sept. 1-4 in St. Paul. A benefit gala on the Wednesday of the convention will include a slate of well-known Hollywood types, and a special luncheon during convention week featuring Annette Benning will honor the U.S. Senate’s 16 women members. The group promises nationally known music and entertainment acts, yet to be announced.

The Hollywood delegation will host similar events planned for the Democratic convention in Denver Aug. 25-28.

Coalition co-chairs are Broadway actor Tim Daly, actor Kerry Washington (Ray, Fantastic Four) and writer/producers Tom Fontana (Oz, The Jury) and Sue Kramer (Gray Matters).

Also to appear in St. Paul for the convention are actor/director Quentin Tarantino (Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction); director Spike Lee (Inside Man, Malcolm X); actors Susan Sarandon (Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dead Man Walking), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Donnie Darko, World Trade Center), Neil Patrick Harris (Doogie Houser, MD, Starship Troopers), Dana Delany (China Beach, Desperate Housewives), Matthew Modine (Full Metal Jacket, Weeds), Alan Cumming (X2:X-Men United, Cabaret), Cheryl Hines (Curb Your Enthusiasm, Reno 911!) and Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That, This is Your Brain on Drugs television commercial); actress/model Wendie Malick (Just Shoot Me); and writer/director Barry Levinson (Rain Man, Good Morning, Vietman)

"We are pleased to continue The Creative Coalition’s tradition of bringing the spotlight of the entertainment industry to shine on issues that are at the forefront of the national agenda," said coalition Executive Director Robin Bronk in a statement Thursday. "Our organization is dedicated to being the entertainment community’s leading nonpartisan public advocacy group."

Minneapolis-based Target will be sponsoring the Creative Coalition events in both St. Paul and Denver. "Target is proud to support The Creative Coalition gala events at both conventions," said Nate Garvis, Target vice president of government affairs. "As a nonpartisan, nonprofit agency supporting arts and education, the Coalition’s goals align with many of Target’s efforts to strengthen communities."