Lyle Kessler's New Play PERP to Receive Reading

Pocono Mountains Theatre Company has announced a staged reading of world-renowned playwright, Lyle Kessler's latest play "Perp" at Moravian College on April 21st. The cast features nationally recognized actors.

This will be the first partnership with Moravian College Theatre and its director, Christopher Shorr. Students from Moravian and surrounding colleges will be invited to attend rehearsal and participate in a Q&A with the Lyle and the actors.

Lyle Kessler is best known for his award winning play, "Orphans", which was introduced to audiences by Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre and has subsequently been performed around the world. Lyle describes "Perp": "A man accused of a violent crime finds help and salvation from unlikely sources in this tale of deceit and retribution."

"Perp" will be presented at the Moravian College's Prosser Auditorium at 8 PM. The Prosser Auditorium is located in the Haupert Union Building. A suggested donation of $10 (cash) will be accepted at the door. Theatergoers are encouraged to reserve seats by emailing mbaer.pmtc@gmail.com as this event is expected to draw a large audience.

Moravian College Theatre company director Christopher Shorr said: "We are excited to be inaugurating this new relationship between Moravian College Theater company and Pocono Mountains Theatre Company with this play reading. It creates another opportunity for our students to learn from seasoned professionals. They get to be a fly on the wall during a period of play development that is often done behind closed doors. This will give them a window into the process."

PMTC's Artistic Director, Brian Long, added: "We are committed to broaden our relationships with colleges and universities throughout Northeast PA and are thrilled to be working with Moravian College Theatre to present the staged reading of Lyle Kessler's "Perp". This will not only give the students at Moravian the chance to spend the day with Lyle and his cast of professional actors, but will allow the public to hear a brilliant play by one of our nation's most accomplished playwrights."

About Pocono Mountains Theater Company. Established by former Rattlestick Managing Director, Brian Long, PMTC is a newly established regional theater company committed to the development and production of diverse new works by American artists, both local and national; to cultivate and develop audiences to support the future patronage of American theater; and to provide a positive collaborative impact to the community, both culturally and financially. www.poconomountainstheatercompany.org