Actor and Kansas University alumnus Mandy Patinkin will return to his alma mater next month for a benefit for the theater and film department, the university announced today.

“A Conversation with Mandy Patinkin,” at 8 p.m. April 9 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall, will help purchase new equipment for the theater for patrons with hearing challenges and aid a scholarship fund for undergraduate film students.

The event will include a taped retrospective of Patinkin’s work and a discussion moderated by Jack Wright, professor of theater and film.

Patinkin, who attended KU from 1970 to 1972, last visited campus in 2001, when he held a question and answer session with students.

The actor won an Emmy for his role on “Chicago Hope” and also has appeared on TV shows “Dead Like Me,” “Boston Public” and “Touched by an Angel.” His film credits include “The Princess Bride” and “True Colors” and he was the narrator in “The Polar Express.”

Tickets to the event, which cost $40 for the public and $20 for students, are available at the University Theatre ticket office, by calling 864-3982 and visit http://kutheatre.com.