The 7 PM reading will feature the talents of Max von Essen as well as several members from the ensemble of the recent revival of Big River — Melissa van der Schyff, Kevin Massey, Guthrie Nutter, Stanley Bahorek, Alexandria Wailes, Erin Krugh, Cathy Newman and George McDaniel — who will perform in spoken English and American Sign Language.

Because the musical is a work in progress, the free reading will not feature music. All lyrics will be read, and all audiences — hearing and deaf — are encouraged to attend.

A 25-year old deaf playwright working and residing in New York City, Garrett Zuercher has also written First Degrees and Quid Pro Quo. His acting credits include roles in The Taste of Sunrise, The Tempest, The Fantasticks and the national tour of Big River.

Max von Essen, who will be part of the Kennedy Center's upcoming production of Mame, has recently appeared Off-Broadway in Finian's Rainbow, in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of The Baker's Wife and in the Two River Theater Company's production of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg. On Broadway the actor has been seen in Dance of the Vampires, Jesus Christ Superstar and Les Misérables; his Off-Broadway credits include The Fantasticks and John & Paul. Von Essen's regional credits are numerous and include Dorian the Musical, My Fair Lady, Hair, Blood Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He was also part of the all-star benefit concerts of Children of Eden and The Secret Garden.

The LGBT Community Center is located in Manhattan at 208 West 13th Street. For reservations, call (212) 620-7310. A reception with refreshments will follow the reading.