Presented by Really Big Productions, the 2 PM reading features the talents of Spamalot's Bradley Dean as well as Carla Torgerson (of The Walkabouts), Horace V. Rogers, Ato Blankson-Wood, Mariand Torres, Heather Bonahoom, Hannah Schwalberg and Bob McAllister. Brad Standley directs the reading of the new musical, which was penned by Mark Nichols (music) and Nichols and Bob McAllister (book and lyrics).

Joe Bean, according to press notes, is described as such: "Joe Bean is a man of great faith. Not faith in God, or religion, but faith that the universe will take care of him, as it always has. He has the house, the car, the wife, and the children. How could the future hold anything less? Unfortunately, the universe, as it often does, has other plans. We follow Joe as this neo-psychedelic, post-modern, rock fable is laid before us by a group of players who lead us through this dystopian clown world that lies somewhere between hippie and punk. Joe carefully balances on the line between perseverance and desperation as everything he cares about is taken away. These tests will lead Joe to the edge, and as he stands there, staring into the void, he will truly learn what means to have faith."

Bradley Dean, who currently plays Sir Galahad in the Broadway production of Spamalot, has also been seen on Broadway in Company, Man of La Mancha and Jayne Eyre and in the national tours of Spamalot and Evita. His regional credits include productions of No Way to Treat a Lady, Falsettos, The Caretaker, Loot, The Tempest and the title roles in Phantom, The Scarlet Pimpernel and Macbeth. Dean's screen credits include "All My Children" and "Guiding Light."

The Zipper Factory is located in Manhattan at 336 West 37th Street. For reservations to the reading, e-mail [email protected].

For more information visit www.myspace.com/joebeanthemusical.