Featuring book and lyrics by Jay Jeffries, book and music by John McMahon and direction by Jay Binder, the readings are scheduled for Dec. 16 at 3 PM, Dec. 17 at 11 AM and 3 PM and Dec. 18 at 10:30 AM.

The cast will comprise Heidi Blickenstaff ([title of show]), Kimberly Fauré , Matt Ferrell, Jennifer Frankel (Curtains), Josh Grisetti (Enter Laughing), John Christopher Jones (Heartbreak House, Otherwise Engaged), Alli Mauzey (Cry-Baby, Wicked), Sean McKnight (Curtains), Brad Oscar (The Producers, Young Frankenstein), Amber Owens (Mary Poppins), Blair Ross (42nd Street, Stormy Weather at Amas), Josh Rouah (Wicked, South Pacific National Tour), Danny Rutigliano (The Lion King, Kismet), Jennifer Smith (The Drowsy Chaperone, The Producers), Edward Watts (Finian’s Rainbow, The Fantasticks) and Anthony Wayne (Anyone Can Whistle at Encores!, A Chorus Line National Tour).

Aesop and Company, according to press notes, is a "comic tale of how the famed fabulist’s career was launched, an evil king’s plots foiled, and a gorgeous slave woman wooed and won." The presentations are part of the ongoing Amas Lab and Workshop Series, a development program for writers, lyricists and composers to develop and advance their new musicals.

The  New 42nd Street Studios is located at  229 West 42nd Street. For reservations to the free reading e-mail [email protected] or call (212) 563-2565. Visit www.amasmusical.org for more information.