Joseph's new comedy will be presented Aug. 28 at 7 PM and Aug. 29 at 3 PM at New World Stages. Those scheduled to perform include Marcia Jean Kurtz, Alice Playten, Harris Doran, Jay Russell, Ryan Farrell, Carole Monferdini and Adam Wade. Alan Souza directs. Why This Night?, according to press notes, concerns "a writer [who] brings his famous boyfriend home to Boca Raton to experience the perfect Passover Seder and meet his mother who, by the way, has been chosen by the prophet Elijah to lead the Exodus!"

Playwright Joseph is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and the Asolo MFA Conservatory. Why This Night? is his fourth play.

New World Stages is located in Manhattan at 340 West 50th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. Although the reading is free, reservations are required; visit www.whythisnight.com for details.