This season, the CSC's First Look Festival is focusing on the works of Brecht, one of the most influential playwrights of the 20th century. According to Off-Broadway's CSC, "Brecht's plays redefined the very nature of theatrical presentation to address the most pressing concerns of his tumultuous generation." Joining Gyllenhaal ("Secretary," "SherryBaby," "Mona Lisa Smile," "The Dark Knight") in the reading are Jeremy Strong, Jayne Houdyshell, Jason Butler Harner, Ben Shenkman, Ryder Smith, Mary Shultz, Roberta Maxwell and Judith Roberts.

The Oct. 20 First Look Festival reading, at 8 PM, is Life of Galileo, featuring Tony Award winner Richard Easton and directed by Brian Kulick.

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Now in its 41st season as one of New York's most exciting Off-Broadway theatres, CSC "is the award-winning Off-Broadway theatre committed to re-imagining the classical repertory for a contemporary American audience. CSC presents plays from the past that speak directly to the issues of today."

For tickets to the First Look Festival, call (212) 352-3101 or (866) 811-4111 or visit www.classicstage.org, or got to the box-office at 136 East 13th Street.

Tickets are $30 for the general public; $25 for CSC members. A very limited number of tickets are available.