Directed by Trip Cullman, the reading was originally set for July 7 but was postponed due to scheduling conflicts. All proceeds benefit The Actors Fund’s Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative.
The reading stars Tony Award nominee Jessica Hecht as Annie Paradis, Tony Award nominee Mary Testa as Brenda Cushman and Tony Award winner Julie White as Elise Elliot with Stephen Kunken as Aaron Paradis, John Ellison Conlee as Bill Atchison, Darren Goldstein as Morty Cushman, Rebecca Naomi Jones as Shelly Stewart/Young Annie, Margo Seibert as Phoebe LaVelle/Young Elise, Halley Feiffer as Dr. Leslie Rosen/Young Cynthia, Sarah Steele as Chris Paradis/Jason Cushman/Young Brenda, Mary Beth Peil as Catherine McDuggan/Gunilla Garson-Goldberg, Michael Cyril Creighton as Duarto Feliz, Mark Blum as Uncle Carmine and Others and Julie Halston as Character Women.
Based on the best-selling novel by Olivia Goldsmith, "The First Wives Club," according to press notes, "follows friends Annie (Jessica Hecht), Elise (Julie White), and Brenda (Mary Testa), who reconnect after each is left by their husband for a younger woman. Looking to turn their tragedy into triumph, the three women join forces in service of the greater good… by seeking revenge on the men who have wronged them."
The evening is produced in arrangement with Paramount Pictures by The Indigo Theatre Project, a theatre company that "strives to unite passion with purpose by producing high-profile readings to benefit relevant charitable organizations." The reading is line-produced by Allison Bressi and associate-produced by Shoshana Feinstein. Tickets to the benefit reading of the screenplay range from $50 to $150. To access the special $50 price point, use the code FWC50. Premium tickets include access to a post-show reception with the cast and creative team. To purchase tickets visit ticketcentral.com or phone at (212) 279-4200.
