The cast of the 2 PM free reading (under the direction of Joe Calarco) will include Kevin Carolan (The Ritz, Chicago), Cady Huffman (The Producers), Erin Mackey (Wicked, Sondheim on Sondheim), A.J. Shively (La Cage aux Folles) and Phoebe Strole (The Metal Children, Spring Awakening), with an ensemble of Carey Anderson, Lindsay Nicole Chambers, Demi Fragale, Olli Haaskivi, Morgan Karr, Zachary Prince, Casey Tuma and Blake Whyte.

Cathy Venable replaces the previously announced Zak Sandler as musical director.

Music is by Gwon. Book and lyrics are by Julia Jordan. Irish Repertory Theatre is at 132 W. 22nd Street in Manhattan.

Bernice Bobs Her Hair is a musical adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's early short story of the same title, and is also based on letters he wrote to his sister. Set in Fitzgerald's hometown of St. Paul, MN, it concerns "the semi-cruel world of adolescence."

According to Irish Rep notes, "Bernice is the awkward country cousin who has come to the big city to visit her audacious and popular cousin Marjorie. She doesn't fit in and she makes every social mistake. Marjorie, frustrated by this human millstone around her social neck, decides to make Bernice over, personality and all. What she doesn't count on is her overwhelming success." Composer Gwon penned the musical Ordinary Days, recently produced by Roundabout Theatre Company. Visit www.adamgwon.com.

Playwright and lyricist Jordan's plays include Smoking Lesson, Tatjana in Color, St. Scarlet, Dark Yellow and Jones, plus the Sarah, Plain and Tall and The Mice.

The reading of Bernice Bobs Her Hair is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Reserve by calling The Irish Repertory Theatre box office at (212) 727-2737. For additional information about The New Works Reading Series and Irish Repertory, visit www.irishrep.org.