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Emmy and Peabody Award-winning writer and producer Tom Fontana (OZ, Homicide, St. Elsewhere) has adapted and will direct a staged reading of Jane Austen's first novel, The Notorious Lady Susan, to benefit The Acting Company on Monday, April 12, 7 p.m. Law & Order C.I. star Saffron Burrows and Kate Forbes (TFANA's Othello) head the cast, which includes Cristin Milioti (MTC's That Face), Janet Zarish (The Glass House), Matt Amendt (The Subject was Roses), Aysan Celik and Mark Blum. Fontana is a Board Director of The Acting Company; Forbes, Amendt, Zarish and Celik are all Alums of Acting Company tours and Miloti recently starred in their production of the Heart is a Lonely Hunter.
"Tom Fontana has an affinity for little known works of famous writers and was especially taken with the letter form of storytelling, which Austen used beautifully in this work, " said Margot Harley who is producing the event, "and you've got to admit this is as far away from OZ as one can get!" Published 54 years after Austen's death, The Notorious Lady Susan showcases her brilliant wit and sharp observations in recounting the story of an intelligent and highly manipulative widow intent on gaining financially secure relationships for herself and her wayward but shy teenage daughter Frederica. Founded in l972 by John Houseman and Margot Harley, The Acting Company has been honored with a TONY for Excellence in Theater, playing New York and touring the country for the past 38 seasons. Founding members Kevin Kline and Patti LuPone began their careers with The Acting Company as did over 300 classically trained actors including Rainn Wilson, Jesse L. Martin, Harriet Harris, Frances Conroy, Keith David and Jeffrey Wright.
A reception with Fontana and the cast follows the performance at Baruch Performing Arts Center, East 25th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues, at 7 p.m on Monday, April l2. Tickets are available through (212)258-3111 for $35 and $60.
