The stage-loving cast of NBC's "Frasier" — Kelsey Grammer, Jane Leeves, David Hyde Pierce, Peri Gilpin and John Mahoney — will perform a reading of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest for the event — to take place March 15 at 8 PM. Proceeds will benefit the Center Theatre Group's new play development programs.
The quintet of stars, who regularly perform on the Emmy Award-winning television sitcom "Frasier," have all performed on the stage prior (and at times during) the show's long run, which ends this season.
Grammer has appeared in the title role of Richard II at the Taper and Minneapolis' Guthrie Theatre and on Broadway in Macbeth and Othello. Off-Broadway credits include Plenty, Sunday in the Park with George, A Month in the Country and Quartermaine's Terms.
Pierce began his acting career in Beyond Therapy and won acclaim for his turn in The Heidi Chronicles on Broadway. He appeared regionally in Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks and It's Only a Play as well as Off-Broadway in Hamlet, The Maderati, Zero Positive, Much Ado About Nothing and Waiting for Godot.
Mahoney garnered a Tony Award for his turn in John Guare's The House of Blue Leaves and a Theatre World Award for Orphans. Gilpin appeared in the Off Broadway staging of As Bees in Honey Drown. Leeves performed a stint as Sally Bowles in the recent revival of Cabaret. Set in 1890's England, The Importance of Being Earnest focuses on a gentleman who assumes the role of his fictitious brother Ernest in order to enjoy himself in the city without ruining his reputation at his country estate. His best friend also assumes the role of the made-up sibling, which causes comedic mistaken identity situations as both men fall in love with different women who are both set on marrying Ernest.
Grammer stars as the gentleman Jack, Pierce as his friend Algernon while Gilpin takes on Jack's beloved Gwendolen and Leeves plays Algernon's love interest Cecily. Mahoney genderbends to take on the role of Gwendolen's imposing mother Lady Bracknell. Surprise guests will make special appearances in the other roles. Moose will take on the role of Lady Bracknell's canine companion.
For tickets to "Frasier Goes Wilde," at the Mark Taper Forum, 135 North Grand Ave. in Los Angeles, CA, call (213) 972-3139. For more information on the company, visit www.taperahmanson.com.
