Morse & Stiles Lead THE SEX KING Reading 6/21

Stacy Shane and ManUnderdog Productions will have on Monday, June 21st a reading of the new play, "The Sex King" by Bill C. Davis ("Mass Appeal") with David Morse and Julia Stiles at The Clurman Theatre (Theatre Row). It will be directed by Jonathan Silverstein, the director of this seasons "The Temperamentals." and "I Never Sang For My Father." The production is planned for next season. Mr. Shane is the original producer of the critically acclaimed and award-winning new American play, "The Tempermanetals."

"The Sex King" - 1008 - Scandal in Connecticut - Jermiah Rockwell is on trial for running a prostitution ring in the tony hills of the state. He claims it is simply and escort service "providing bright, interesting attractive young women" for the rich men in the area to keep company with. During his trial all the local press lust for an interview with him. But he chooses one young female reporter, Maureen Laffin, to exclusively state his case. He believes that the jury will defy the judge's order and read everything he can persuade this ethical and forthright journalist to print. During the interview he is peppering her with his iconoclastic and pacifist views. Why did he choose her?

Bill C. Davis is the author of "Mass Appeal," which premiered at The Manhattan Theatre Club, directed by Geraldine Fitzgerald, and starred Milo O'Shea and Eric Roberts. The play moved to Broadway where it received the Outer Critic's Circle Award. Mr. Davis adapted the play as a screenplay and it was made into a movie starring Jack Lemmon and Charles Durning and was chosen one of the ten best films for that year by The National Board of Review. He also performed the role of Mark Dolson with Milo O'Shea, Charles Durning and BrIan Keith. "Mass Appeal" has played in Paris, where it received a Molière Award; as well as staged in Poland, Brazil, Argentina, Sweden, South Africa, Rome, Australia and in Munich, Germany. Another play "Dancing in the End-Zone," premiered in a production directed by Jose Ferrer and starring Elaine Stritch. The play moved to Broadway under Melvin Bernhardt's direction, with Pat Carroll. It was also performed in Los Angeles starring Lois Nettleton, where it received a Dramalogue award. His play, "Wrestlers," had its premiere in Los Angeles, with Mr. Davis acting opposite Mark Harmon. The play was Critic's Choice for the LA Times. Also in LA, he directed his play "Spine" with Meredith Baxter and Mackenzie Astin. It was also directed by the author at The George Street Playhouse. He is collaborating on an original musical, "Austin's Bridge." He also writes political essays and just completed his first novel, "Connecticut Wildlife."

Stacy Shane was proud to be working alongside Daryl Roth and Martian Entertainment on The Temperamentals, which was the recipient of a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble Performances; Michael Urie won the Lortel Award for Outstanding Lead Actor and a Theatre World Award. The acclaimed play received nominations for Outer Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play and Jon Marans for the John Gassner Award; Lortel Award Nominations for Outstanding Play; GLAAD Award Nomination for Outstanding New York Theater: Broadway & Off-Broadway and a Drama League Award Nomination for Michael Urie for Distinguished Performance. OUT Magazine (12/09-1/10) annual "Out 100 class of 2009" honored Jon Marans - playwright, Stacy Shane - producer, Jonathan Silverstein - director and Michael Urie - actor. The play began as a showcase in April 2009 in an intimate Studio Theatre. All performances were sold out in advance with a waiting list for the initial engagement. Due to the tremendous critical and popular acclaim, it moved to a larger theatre for a few weeks extension. It then extended two more times during the summer and this past February was produced Off Broadway at New World Stages. Other shows he's produced include: Who You See Here by Matt Hoverman, My Expatriate for Manhattan Theater Source and the forthcoming The Sex King by Bill C. Davis. He serves on the board of The Barrow Group Theater Company.

Photo Credit: RD / Dziekan / Retna Digital