Ellen McLaughlin Kicks Off New Reading Series at Jean Cocteau Sept. 20

By Robert Simonson
September 7, 2004

Jean Cocteau Repertory, the longstanding Off-Broadway home of classics, will launch a new reading series of classic texts on Sept. 20.

Called "New Classics Reading Series" (NCRS), the series will kick off with a benefit hosted by actress and author Ellen McLaughlin, who is currently rehearsing for the upcoming Off-Broadway play String of Pearls.

The benefit is expected to feature such talents as Lillias White and Cheryl Alexander, as well as members of Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptiste’s celebrated “Beat the Donkey” percussion group, and the Jollyship the Whiz Bang puppet troupe.  Guest speakers will include playwright Mac Wellman and actor-director Kevin Kuhlke.

The 2004-05 series will include Ines de Castro by John Clifford; Wet or Isabella the Pirate Queen Enters the Horse Latitudes by Liz Duffy Adams; Medea by Euripides, adapted by Joseph Goodrich; Arthur: The Begetting by Jeff Berryman; Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, adapted by Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus; Ondine by Jean Giraudoux, adapted by Dan O’Brien; The Miser by Moliere, adapted by James Magruder; The American Fiancée (an adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s The Betrothed) by Blair Singer.

Jean Cocteau Rep is located at the Bouwerie Lane Theatre (330 Bowery at Bond/East 2nd Street). Tickets for the benefit will be $20, and are available by calling  (212) 677-0060 ext. 14.