Directed by Zak Berman, As the Epic Turns plays the Peter J. Sharp Theatre in Manhattan April 17 and 18. Show time both nights is 8 PM.

The 90-minute evenings feature Widdoes, Byrne, Seganti and Tunie in a series of staged readings with special material written by Christopher Durang, John Guare, Judy Tate and Berkman, as well as a screening of Paul Leyden's film "Bye Bye Sally," which concerns "a suicidal woman who meets a hit man and discovers a reason to live." (Leyden also appeared on "As the World Turns.")

The performances/screening will be followed by a reception with the evening's cast and Epic Theatre Ensemble artists.

Proceeds benefit the theatre company's Shakespeare Bridge Project programs.

The Peter Sharpe Theatre is located in Manhattan at 416 West 42nd Street. Tickets, priced $75 and $100, are available by visiting www.ticketcentral.com or by calling (212) 279-4200. For more information go to www.epictheaterensemble.org. *

Epic Theater Ensemble's education programs "use theatre to foster empathy, create civic dialogue, and empower student voices in their communities and beyond. During in depth residencies in English and History classrooms in New York City Public Schools, Epic Theater works with teachers to guide students in the exploration of the relationship between individuals and their society. Working with Epic Teaching Artists, students write and perform theatre productions that inspire and awaken civic engagement."