To compete against the finale of "The Sopranos," Tonycast producers have announced their secret weapon to lure viewers — John Turturro. Yep, this character actor, whose face is more recognizable than his name, is to be one of the presenters at the upcoming awardsfest. Perhaps his being cousin to Aida Turturro, who plays Janice on the mob drama, got him the gig.

He joins a somewhat starrier mix of boldfaced names on the June 10 awardscast on CBS. Current Tony nominees Angela Lansbury, Liev Schreiber, David Hyde Pierce, and Audra McDonald are to appear as is good sport Kevin Spacey, snubbed for his turn in "A Moon for the Misbegotten."

Like last year, the festivities will forego a principal host but will feature a host of TV stars with roots in the theater including: William Petersen and Marg Helgenberger ("CSI"), Felicity Huffman ("Desperate Housewives"), Vanessa Williams ("Ugly Betty"), Jane Krakowski ("30 Rock"), Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother"), Eddie Izzard ("The Riches"), Carla Gugino ("Entourage"), Anne Heche ("Men in Trees") and Rainn Wilson of "The Office."

And the producers have even found room for a couple of true theater types including Bernadette Peters and the cast of "Jersey Boys."

Photo: "Do you know me?" John Turturro might well ask when he makes an appearance on the upcoming Tonycast. (Sony Picture Classics)