In a special benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, Jonathan Bernstein will direct a staged reading of a new play by novice dramatist Lou Diamond Phillips, June 16, at the Roundabout's Laura Pels Theatre in Manhattan.
Phillips, of La Bamba fame, currently stars as the King of Siam in the Broadway revival of The King And I, for which he got a Tony nomination. In fact, the reading comes the day after Phillips' last performance in the role -- Kevin Gray will begin as the King, June 17.
A romantic comedy, Burning Desire will star Phillips, alongside Melissa Errico (The Importance Of Being Earnest, My Fair Lady), David Aaron Baker (Once Upon A Mattress) and Guy Paul, who'll read the stage directions. Director Bernstein is the associate director of King And I.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is the nation's largest industry-based organization working to address the challenges of AIDS. Major fundraising events include "Broadway Bares" and "The Easter Bonnet Competition."
The staged reading of Burning Desire begins at 7 PM to be followed by a reception. For tickets ($20) to this one-night-only event, call BC/EFA at (212) 840-0770, ext. 231. --By David Lefkowitz