Hirsch, who is scheduled to return to Broadway this spring in Sixteen Wounded, will take part in the Dec. 19 reading of Isaac Beshavis Singer's short story "Alone." Steve Martin's "Patter for the Floating Lady" is also on the bill for the "Food for Thought" afternoon, which begins with lunch at 12:30 PM, followed by the 1:30 PM reading. The day also includes a talk-back session with the cast. "Food for Thought" will continue in January 2004 with four scheduled performances: On Jan. 12 David Esbjornson will direct a reading of George Bernard Shaw's "The Six of Calais"; Tom Stoppard's "The Boundary" is scheduled for Jan. 14; film and stage star Kathleen Turner will be part of the cast of Tennessee Williams' "I Can't Imagine Tomorrow" on Jan. 26; and the month concludes with Gertrude Stein's "Three Sisters Who Are Not Sisters: A Melodrama" on Jan. 28.

Judd Hirsch received Tony Awards for his performances in I'm Not Rappaport and Conversations with My Father. His other Broadway credits include Barefoot in the Park, Knock Knock, Chapter Two, Talley's Folley, A Thousand Clowns and Art. Hirsch received two Emmy Awards for his work in the TV series "Taxi," and he has also been seen on screen in "The Law," "Dear John," "George & Leo," "King of the Gypsies," "Without a Trace," "Teachers," "Running on Empty," "A Beautiful Mind" and "Ordinary People"; Hirsch received an Oscar nomination for his work in the latter.

Food for Thought Lunch Hour Theatre — run by artistic director Susan Charlotte — plays the National Arts Club, located in Manhattan at 15 Gramercy Park South. Tickets are $42 (Dec. 19) and $45 (January performances), which includes the light lunch. Call (212) 362-2560 for reservations; for more information, visit www.foodforthoughtproductions.com.