Jan Maxwell Joins Blythe Danner, Annie Potts and More in STEEL MAGNOLIAS Benefit Reading, 12/3

Producer David Youse and Four Things Productions in association with L.A. Works has announced that celebrated actress Jan Maxwell has joined the cast of a celebrity staged reading in celebration of The 25th Anniversary of Robert Harling's Steel Magnolias to take place next week on Monday, 3 December 2012 at 7pm to benefit The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Maxwell is a five-time Tony Award nominee who will be playing the part of M'Lynn. Her 2012 nomination for Follies made her one of only two actresses in history to receive a Tony nomination in all four acting categories. The celebrity staged reading in celebration of The 25th Anniversary of Robert Harling's Steel Magnolias is a special one night only event to take place next week on Monday, 3 December 2012 at 7pm at the Lucille Lortel Theater located at 121 Christopher Street in New York City, where the original production performed.

Directed by Judith Ivey and starring Blythe Danner as Clairee, Annie Potts as Truvy, Margo Martindale (the original Truvy) as Ouiser, Celia Keenan-Bolger as Shelby and Sarah Stiles as Annelle, Kevin O'Rourke as the Disc Jockey, and Constance Shulman (the original Annelle) will read the stage directions. Music for this production has been generously donated by Bonnie Raitt and Pat Boone. With support from the 25th Anniversary Honorary Committee including Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field, Daryl Hannah, Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton and Julia Roberts and sponsored by Lifetime Television, Magnolia Bakery and Veranda Restaurant. A VIP reception with the cast and crew will follow this special performance.

For more information, visit the Steel Magnolias 25th Anniversary website. Visit the production on Facebook and Twitter @SteelMag25years.