Tony and Oscar winner Patricia Neal will star as a variety of women in The Last Shubert, a reading adapted from the book "The Boys from Syracuse: The Shuberts' Theatrical Empire," on Thursday, Dec. 13th.  The 6:30 p.m. reading is free, on a first-come/first-served basis, in the newly renovated Bruno Walter Auditorium of the Lincoln Center New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

This adaptation, by Joel Vig from Foster Hirsch's book, concentrates on John Shubert [1909-1962], the last of the legendary and powerful theatre producers and theatre owners who led complicated, bizarre lives. Miss Neal will portray a variety of women in his life and career. Vig, best known to theatergoers for his role in Ruthless, will also direct and portray Shubert.

Author Hirsch will open the reading with an introduction. The presentation features a musical sequence by Stephen Mo Hanan as Al Jolson, one of the Shuberts' biggest stars. Hanan received acclaim two seasons ago in the York Theatre's musical production, Jolson & Company. David Lewis accompanies on piano.

  Dec. 13 marks the 92nd anniversary of John Schubert's birth and, following the reading, Miss Neal and Hirsch will treat the audience to a birthday celebration complete with cake.

On Monday, Dec. 17, also free and at 6:30 in the auditorium, a revue, Bolton and Wodehouse and Kern: The Making of the Modern Musical, by Barry Day will feature Simon Jones, Barrie Ingham, Lorna Dallas and Eric Comstock. The suggested entrance is 40 Lincoln Center Plaza (Amsterdam Avenue at 65th Street) or you can enter through the main library entrance from the Lincoln Center plaza.

-- by Ellis Nassour