Playwright Richard Thompson, known for his acting roles in Broadway's Death of a Salesman and The Heiress, is "writing about sports agents and professional athletes, but it's about people trying achieve greatness in their lives and failing to have it," said director Jenn Thompson. "It's universal."

The play focuses on Marty Futch, a middle-aged sports agent who reps mediocre talent and wants to be a Big Doolie — a big cheese, a contender, part of the big leagues. Christopher McCann, an Obie Award-winner for Lincoln Center Theater's The Lights, plays Futch, who is haunted by dreams of cannibalism. The difference between Futch and the people in his world is that he happens to have a heart, Thompson said.

Thompson's previous play, Hunting Humans, won five Drama Logue Awards for its Los Angeles staging and was seen Off-Broadway and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The cast includes McCann, Tim Artz, Evan Thompson (Lincoln Center's Ivanov, An American Daughter), Karl Kenzler (LCT's Dinner at Eight), Stephen Kunken (Proof on Broadway and tour), Viki Boyle and Peterson Townsend.

Director Jenn Thompson, no relation to the playwright, is a producing director for River Rep, which mounts a summer season of plays at Ivoryton Playhouse in Connecticut. She is also a member of the acting company TACT (The Actors Company Theatre). The 7 PM March 17 industry reading is at 311 W. 43rd Street, 8th Floor.