Abingdon Theatre-Readings of new plays

UPCOMING READINGS FIRST READINGS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 AT 7:00   The Lake Effect by Jen Camp Coordinated Nancy Opel, OBIE Award-winner for her role in Abingdon’s My Deah        The disappearance of a local teenage girl in suburban Cleveland has a profound affect on her community, particularly on a family who each struggle to understand their connection to her as well as to each other.   The Lake Effect is a play about family, friendship, Midwestern weather patterns and the places we’ll go to remain true to ourselves. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 AT 7:00   Italy by Michele Fagin        Garden benches and butcher knives meet budding lust and severed love in this sanguine romantic comedy.   Angela, a widowed movie producer, sees past William’s Bottom to the psychotic killer within.   As they find love on benches from L.A. to Florence, Angela’s daughter, Diana, misses her chance for romantic chemistry on the benches of Central Park.   All is saved by George, Angela’s brilliant, well-armed, and thoroughly intoxicated director. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 AT 2:00   Acting Out by Charles Borkhuis       In “Acting Out,” memories of what never happened start to eclipse what did as two middle-aged actors, Joseph and Alice, dredge up Joseph’s past infidelities and their teenage daughter Amy’s suicide.   When their son Jamie and his girlfriend Ali arrive unexpectedly, all four try to act as a normal, functioning family, but Joseph and Alice can’t stop acting out their unresolved sexual conflicts with the kids. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 AT 7:00   Engaging Shaw by John Morogiello      Engaging Shaw: He considered himself the superman.   She allowed him to believe it!   Wealthy heiress Charlotte Payne-Townshend sets her sights on confirmed bachelor and philanderer George Bernard Shaw in a comic battle of wits.   Can she romance an unromantic man? FREE.  No reservations required. All readings are held at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex 312 W. 36th Street, 1st Floor (Between 8th/9th Avenues)

NOT FREE, but a deal! The York mega-hit returns.Limited engagement January 21-March 8, 2009!! Abingdon Theatre Patrons get $54.00 tickets (20% off the normal $67.50 tickets) using code ABING!       Hailed by The New York Times as “FLAT-OUT HILARIOUS”, called “AN HONEST-TO-GOD MUSICAL COMEDY” by New York Magazine and declared “THE FUNNIEST TUNER TO HIT TOWN SINCE THE PRODUCERS” by the New York Post–ENTER LAUGHING is not to be missed!        Based on the early life of comedian Carl Reiner and the hit play by Broadway master Joseph Stein, ENTER LAUGHING tells the hilarious story of a stage-struck, woman-struck teenager who blunders his way into manhood via showbiz.   With a delightful score by Stan Daniels (TAXI), book by Joseph Stein (FIDDLER ON THE ROOF), and a stellar cast and creative team headed by director Stuart Ross (FOREVER PLAID), ENTER LAUGHING is musical comedy at its best: a heartfelt, side-splitting laugh fest! The York Theatre in Saint Peters Church, 54th St. just East of Lexington Ave Tickets at 212.935.5820 or on line at www.yorktheatre.org