Tovah Feldshuh to Lead Reading of New Musical QUEEN OF MEAN at The Actors' Temple

THE ACTORS' TEMPLE is pleased to present a reading of the new musical from Alex Lippard, David Lee, and Ron Passaro QUEEN OF MEAN: THE RISE AND FALL OF LEONA HELMSLEY, based on the NY Times-bestselling biography by Ransdell Pierson. Starring Tony-Nominee Tovah Feldshuh as Leona Helmsley, the first performance on Monday, April 4 at 7:30 pm is already sold-out, so an additional performance on Thursday, April 7, at 7:30 pm has been added. The Actors' Temple is located at 339 West 47th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenue. Tickets vary in prices and are available at www.theactorstemple.org/events.

A rollicking and emotionally gripping portrait of Leona Helmsley, QUEEN OF MEAN colorfully depicts the Faustian rise-and scandalous fall from grace-of the notorious Manhattan hotelier.

Does getting what we want bring happiness? What does it feel like to be rich and powerful? Why would someone with everything stop at nothing to have more? With rampant corporate malfeasance and income inequality on the rise, these questions have never been more relevant. However, what ultimately makes QUEEN OF MEAN compelling is the enormously colorful leading lady, her fascinating rise to power, and the emotional relatability of her drive, her passions, and her shortcomings. We cheer her, envy her, ache for her, and watch in gleeful horror as she crosses lines we ourselves would not cross.

In addition to Ms. Feldshuh, also cast are Broadway performers Jennifer Allen (The Bridges of Madison County, Sister Act), Samia Mounts (BAM's The Source), Soara-Joye Ross (LES MISERABLES, Dance of the Vampires), Danny Rutigliano (Born Yesterday, The Best Little Whorehouse Goes Public), Mark Teich (Off-Broadway Killer Joe), Frank Vlastnik (Big, Sweet Smell of Success), Lenny Wolpe (Wicked, The Drowsy Chaperone), and Matt Wolpe (US Tour Once).

Part of HOT NIGHTS @ A COOL SHUL, a new series that seeks to stimulate dialogue about American and global Jewish culture through engaging, entertaining and thought-provoking films, play readings, cabaret acts, musical performances, and panel discussions. Produced by Joan Finkelstein and Carol Ostrow.

FALL IN LOVE WITH LOVE is on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 7:30 pm

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $15 for AT members and students under age 18 and are now available online at www.theactorstemple.org/events or by calling 212-245-6975.

Running Time: 95 minutes

Website: www.theactorstemple.org