Piazza's Berresse Replaces McCarthy in Plaza Suite Benefit

By Andrew Gans
September 16, 2005

Casting is now complete for the Sept. 19 benefit reading of Neil Simon's Plaza Suite, which will be presented at New York's High School for the Humanities.

Michael Berresse, who plays Giuseppe Naccarelli in The Light in the Piazza, has replaced the previously announced Andrew McCarthy for the reading, which will benefit Opening Act, a nonprofit organization that "provides free after-school theatre programming to New York City's most underserved public high schools." McCarthy departed the production due to a last-minute filming conflict.

Berresse will be joined by Laura Benanti, John Lavelle, Ilene Kristen, Alix Korey, Christopher Murney, Michael Badalucco, Ben Curtis, Britt Shubow and Toby Lawless for the reading of Plaza Suite, which comprises three one-acts set at New York's Plaza Hotel: "Visitor From Mamaroneck," "Visitor From Hollywood" and "Visitor From Forest Hills." Jonathan Ross will direct the reading, which is being produced by Suzy Myers and Jamie McGonnigal.

Plaza Suite opened on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre in Feb. 14, 1968, playing 1,097 performances before closing Oct. 3, 1970. The original cast — directed by Mike Nichols — included George C. Scott, Maureen Stapleton, Bob Balaban, Claudette Nevins and Jose Ocasio.

The High School for the Humanities is located in Manhattan at 351 West 18th Street. Tickets range from $10-$100 and can be purchased by going to www.openingactnewyork.org. (A reception for Premium Ticket holders will be held at 6:30 PM).