The solo work penned by David W. Blight and Peter Almond will be presented as part of Classical Theatre of Harlem's Future Classics series. The Nov. 10 reading will be held at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Show time is 7 PM. (A reason was not provided for DeShields' withdrawal.) CTH artistic director Alfred Preisser directs the reading that will feature Smith as Frederick Douglas. "Stepchild," according to press notes, "is a tour de force one-person play focusing on the complex and often conflicted relationship between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln, who found 'greatness thrust upon him,' has just been assassinated in the nation's capitol. Douglass, perhaps the most powerful symbol and agent of the Abolitionist movement in America, is nearing the end of his life. He contemplates his life's journey, his struggles with American culture and the true nature of his friendship with Lincoln."

Roger Guenveur Smith created and performed the Obie Award-winning A Huey P. Newton Story and adapted it into a Peabody Award-winning television film under the direction of Spike Lee. His credits also include The Watts Towers Project, Leftover Stories To Tell and Who Killed Bob Marley?

The Schomburg Center is located at 515 Malcolm X Boulevard at 135th Street. For additional information visit ClassicalTheatreofHarlem.