Actress Kate Burton, 2002 Tony double nominee for her work in Hedda Gabler and The Elephant Man, will perform a special benefit reading of the third act of Eugene O’Neill’s A Moon for the Misbegotten at the O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut July 15. The one-night-only reading will feature Burton in the role of Josie Hogan.

Set in a Connecticut farmhouse in early September 1923, the drama centers around the struggles of the strong, sturdy woman with her never-do-well father and weak willed, dissolute, would-be beau, Jim Tyrone. Further casting to be announced.

The most recent revival of Moon played at Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre from March 19-July 2, 2000. Cherry Jones (Major Barbara and the upcoming Imaginary Friends) played Josie opposite Gabriel Byrne's James Tyrone, Jr. Actor Roy Dotrice played her father Phil Hogan under the direction of Daniel Sullivan.

Burton's credits include The Beauty Queen of Leenane, An American Daughter, Jake's Women and Some Americans Abroad. Her film work includes "Unfaithful," "First Wives Club," "The Ice Storm," and "Big Trouble in Little China." She also co-starred with her late father Richard Burton in the television mini-series "Ellis Island."

Proceeds from the summer reading benefit the Eugene O'Neill Celebration, an annual event including workshops, performances, and discussions as well as the presentation of the Monte Cristo Award. The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center was founded in 1964 and based in Waterford, CT. Programs at the Center include the Puppetry Conference, Playwrights Conference, Critics Institute, Music Theater Conference and the National Theater Institute. The Monte Cristo Cottage, O'Neill's childhood home, is also owned and operated by the group.

For tickets to A Moon for the Misbegotten and a pre-show reception with the cast at Monte Cristo Cottage at 6:30, call (860) 443-5378 ext. 213. For more information, visit their website at www.oneilltheatercenter.org.

— by Ernio Hernandez