Also directed by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning writer and producer Fontana ("Oz," "Homicide," "St. Elsewhere"), the 7 PM reading at the Baruch Performing Arts Center will benefit The Acting Company.

The cast will boast Saffron Burrows and Kate Forbes with Cristin Milioti, Janet Zarish, Matt Amendt, Aysan Celik and Mark Blum.

Margot Harley, who is producing the evening, stated, "Tom Fontana has an affinity for little known works of famous writers and was especially taken with the letter form of storytelling, which Austen used beautifully in this work, and you've got to admit this is as far away from 'Oz' as one can get!"

Published 54 years after Austen's death, "The Notorious Lady Susan," press notes state, "showcases her brilliant wit and sharp observations in recounting the story of an intelligent and highly manipulative widow intent on gaining financially secure relationships for herself and her wayward but shy teenage daughter Frederica."

A reception with Fontana and the cast follows the performance at Baruch Performing Arts Center, East 25th Street between Lexington and Third Avenues. Tickets, priced $35 and $60, are available by calling (212) 258-3111. *

Founded in l972 by John Houseman and Margot Harley, the Acting Company has been honored with a Tony for Excellence in Theater, playing New York and touring the country for the past 38 seasons.