Part of the Out Loud weekly Manhattan play-reading series, Modern Orthodox will feature the talents of The Graduate's Jason Biggs, "Saturday Night Live" regular Rachel Dratch and current "Friends" star Paul Rudd. Written by Daniel Goldfarb, the 7 PM reading at the Ars Nova Theatre will be directed by Tony Award winner James Lapine. According to production notes, Modern Orthodox is a "comedy about secular and religious co-existence and the connection between commitment and faith; what we give up, not just to be religious but to be modern." Playwright Goldfarb has also written Adam Baum and the Jew Movie, which won the 2000 NY Newsday Oppenheimer Award, and Modern Orthodox has been optioned by Bob Balaban's Chicago Films. Goldfarb's Sarah, Sarah will be presented at the Manhattan Theatre Club in spring 2004.

The Ars Nova Theater is located in New York City at 511 West 54th Street. Presented by the Ars Nova Theater and the Underwood Theater, there is no charge to attend the Out Loud series, although reservations are required. Call (212) 977-1700.