Sam Underwood, James Barbour & More to Lead Abingdon's GREAT EXPECTATIONS Reading, 12/9

Abingdon Theatre Company presents a staged reading of a dynamic and evocative new adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic GREAT EXPECTATIONS, adapted for the stage and directed by Donald Brenner, on Monday, December 9 at 7pm at the June Havoc Theatre (312 West 36th Street) in Manhattan.

With a brisk running time of 90 minutes, director Donald Brenner's adaptation of GREAT EXPECTATIONS maintains the heart of Dickens' epic masterpiece about an orphan named Pip. Dicken's haunting narrative is cut to its essence, bringing Pip's memories, fantasies, fears and dreams to life.

Sam Underwood ("Dexter," "The Following") leads the cast as Pip, the rags-to-riches hero of Dickens' timeless classic.

Joining Mr. Underwood are James Barbour (A TALE OF TWO CITIES, DONNYBROOK!); Alma Cuervo (WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN); Jazmin Gorsline (MY FAIR LADY, national tour); Peter Herrick (AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS); Bill Nolte (LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, THE PRODUCERS); Larry Pine (VANYA ON 42nd STREET, THE DESIGNATED MOURNER, DEATH OF Walt Disney); and Judith Roberts ("Trapper John, M.D.," PRESENT LAUGHTER, THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE).

The ensemble takes on all the roles in Pip's story, speaking variously in the first person and guiding the audience through Pip's extraordinary search for self. Along with traditional holiday songs, the production is also underscored with incidental music based on Moussorgsky's "Pictures at an Exhibition."

Sam Underwood is set to join the upcoming second season of FOX's hit series "The Folllowing," having previously appeared on "Homeland," "Dexter," and "Zero Hour." His stage credits include EQUUS with Alec Baldwin, directed by Tony Walton; CANDIDA, with Melissa Errico, at Irish Repertory Theatre; Tennessee Williams' IN MASKS OUTRAGEOUS AND AUSTERE, with Shirley Knight; and MY VAUDEVILLE MAN! at York Theatre.

Charles Dickens' GREAT EXPECTATIONS runs Monday, December 9 at 7pm at Abingdon Theatre Company's June Havoc Theatre (312 West 36th Street). Tickets are $20-30; call Ovationtix at 866-811-4111 or visit www.abingdontheatre.org.

Photo by Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.