The 2:30 PM reading will star Emmy Award winner Bruce Vilanch (Hairspray, “Hollywood Squares”) — in the role originated by comedian Buddy Hackett — and Natalie Venetia Belcon (Matilda, Avenue Q). Ben West directs. Additional casting will be announced at a later time. I Had a Ball, the 1964 Coney Island musical comedy, has a book by Tony Award winner Jerome Chodorov and a score by Stan Freeman and Jack Lawrence. The score has been newly arranged by musical director Fran Minarik.

I Had a Ball is described as "a vibrant, colorful confection following the delightfully eccentric denizens of Coney Island and the feisty fortune-teller who singlehandedly sets off a series of raucous romantic entanglements. Sparks fly, love blossoms, and hilarious hijinks ensue in this bright and brassy entertainment!"

The Bruno Walter Auditorium of The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts is located at 111 Amsterdam Avenue, between 64th and 65th Streets. Admission is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information visit www.UnsungMusicals.org.