The Critics' Circle, Stage One's new play lab, will present a staged reading of Cherie Bennett's Searching for David's Heart Dec. 7 at the Kentucky Center for the Arts' Boyd Martin Experimental Theater. The reading will begin at 7 PM.

World-famous magician Harry Houdini narrates the story of Darcy and David, a sister and brother separated by an accident. David is killed and Darcy, racked with guilt, must find the only part of him that remains -- his heart.

Bennett, best known for her teen novel series "Sunset Island," also wrote Anne Frank and Me and John Lennon and Me.

The Critics' Circle seeks to develop new shows for young audiences by choosing three shows a year for staged readings. Stage One's 1998 productions Tom Sawyer, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck and Bridge to Terabithia all began in the Critics' Circle series.

Admission to the reading is free. Reservations can be made by calling Stage One at (502) 562-0885. -- By Christine Ehren