Berresse Goes from Piazza to Plaza in Sept. 19 Neil Simon Reading

By: Sep. 16, 2005
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With The Light in the Piazza's Michael Berresse to replace Andrew McCarthy in the September 19th benefit reading of Plaza Suite, casting is now set for the Neil Simon comedy. The reading will be held at New York's High School for the Humanities (351 West 18th Street).

McCarthy, a well-known screen star, withdrew from Plaza Suite due to a filming conflict. Berresse (Kiss Me, Kate, Chicago, Carousel) joins Laura Benanti (The Sound of Music, Into the Woods, Nine) and Alix Korey (Lippa's The Wild Party, All Shook Up) in the show, which will also feature Ben Curtis, John Lavelle, Britt Shubow, Ilene Kristen, Christopher Murney, Michael Badalucco and Toby Lawless.

Plaza Suite drops the audience off at the famed New York hotel of the title, as farcical entanglements unfold in three one-acts: "Visitor From Mamaroneck," "Visitor From Hollywood" and "Visitor From Forest Hills." Proceeds from the event will go to Opening Act, which "provides free after-school theatre programming to New York City's most underserved public high schools." Produced by Jamie McGonnigal and Suzy Myers, the reading will be helmed by Jonathan Ross.

Mike Nichols received a 1968 Tony Award for directing the original production of Plaza Suite (itself nominated for Best Play), which opened on February 14th, 1968 and ran for 1097 performances. Maureen Stapleton, who starred with George C. Scott, Bob Balaban, Claudette Nevins and Jose Ocasio, also garnered a Tony nod. A 1971 film starred Stapleton, Walter Matthau, Barbara Harris and others.

Tickets, which range from $10 to $100, are available by visiting www.openingactnewyork.org. At 6:30 PM, a reception will be held for Premium Ticket holders.

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