The reading, which is part of LAByrinth's developmental Barn Series Festival, will be performed at the Public Theatre — where the company is in residence for the season. Both free readings, slated for Dec. 22 at 7 and 9 PM, are already booked with a waiting list that tops 100 eager standbys.

LAB regulars are featured in the cast that includes Ron Cephas Jones, Elizabeth Rodriguez, Portia, Sam Rockwell, Yul Vasquez, Richard Petrocelli, Chris McGarry, Elizabath Canavan, Salvatore Inzerillo, Liza Colon-Zayas, Mums, John Patrick Shanley, Carlo Alban and Michael Pitt.

Longtime LAByrinth patriot Guirgis also penned the critically-praised Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train which is slated to reach Broadway, following some revisions, in the fall of 2004. Guirgis' previous play, In Arabia, We'd All Be Kings, was also produced by LAByrinth and directed by Hoffman.

Hoffman is best known as a stage and film actor ("Boogie Nights" and True West among his popular portrayals). He was nominated for his recent turn on Broadway in the Tony Award-winning revival of Long Day's Journey Into Night. Hoffman serves as co-artistic director of LAByrinth Theater Company with actor John Ortiz.

For more information on the LAByrinth Barn Series at The Public, 425 Lafayette Ave. in New York, NY, call (212) 512-1035 or visit www.labtheater.org .