Titanic's Victoria Clark and Falsettos' Michael Rupert head the cast of the reading as Arlene and Alan, the oldest of three couples whose lives are affected in various ways by the prospect of having (or not having) a baby. Side Show's Norm Lewis and Brandi Chavonne Massey play Nick and Pam, and the youngest couple is portrayed by Nikki James (Lizzie) and Robb Sapp (Danny). The ensemble includes, among others, Lenny Wolpe, Jordan Leeds, Blake Ginther, Becky Gulsvig, Rosena Hill and Deborah Tranelli.

Mark S. Hoebee directs the readings at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center with music direction by Eugene Gwozdz. The reading is part of Other Stages, a unique festival of staged readings, family performances and New Jersey premieres. Hoebee will also helm the upcoming production of Baby at Paper Mill: The State Theatre of New Jersey this spring. That production will run March 31-May 9, 2004.

The readings — scheduled for 7:30 PM — will be followed by a talkback session with the creators of the musical. All attending are invited to stay for this portion of the evening.

Baby played Broadway's Ethel Barrymore Theatre, Nov. 8, 1983 July 1, 1984. The original cast featured Liz Callaway, Todd Graff, James Congdon, Martin Vidnovic, Beth Fowler and Catherine Cox. Song titles include "I Want It All," "I Chose Right," "Two People in Love" and "The Story Goes On."

Tickets are available by calling (888) 466-5722. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center is located in Newark, NJ; visit www.njpac.org for more information.