Julia Stiles, Billy Crudup, et al. to Take Part in 24 HOUR PLAYS

Montblanc announced today that THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY special 10th anniversary production will be held in New York City on Monday, November 14, 2011. An annual benefit event produced by the 24 Hour Company and Freestyle Picture Company for Urban Arts Partnership, THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY attracts some of entertainment's biggest names as they join forces to participate in an extreme rite of theater: writing, directing, and performing 6 original short plays, all in just 24 hours. This year's production will feature a special 10th anniversary theme to celebrate the immense success of this partnership and the thousands of students who have benefited from programs made possible by this fundraiser.

This year's company members, include schedule permitting: Actors- Amber Tamblyn (Emmy and Golden Globe Nominee for Joan of Arcadia), Billy Crudup (Tony Award Winner for Coast of Utopia), Carla Gugino (Watchmen, Entourage, Desire Under the Elms), Cheyenne Jackson (30 Rock, Glee), David Cross (The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret), Diane Neal (Law & Order: SVU), Gabourey Sidibe (Oscar Nominee for Precious), Greta Gerwig (Greenberg), Jack McBrayer (Emmy Award nominee for 30 Rock), Jason Biggs (American Pie Series), Jason Sudeikis (SNL), Jesse Eisenberg (Academy Award Nominee for The Social Network), John Krasinski (The Office), Julia Stiles (Emmy Award and Golden Globe Nominee for Dexter), Justin Bartha (The Hangover series), Kathy Najimy (King of the Hill), Lake Bell (No Strings Attached, How to Make it in America), Megan Fox (Friends With Kids), Nia Vardalos (Oscar Nominee for My Big Fat Greek Wedding), Nick Swardson (30 Minutes or Less), Rachel Dratch (Saturday Night Live), Rosie Perez (Close Up Space at MTC 2011), Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program), Tracy Morgan (Emmy Award Nominee for 30 Rock), Woody Harrelson (Two Time Oscar Nominee for The Messenger, The People Vs. Larry Flynt); Directors- Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine), Josie Rourke (Artistic Director, Donmar Warehouse, London), Peter Ellenstein (Artistic Director, Inge Center), Thomas Kail (Tony Award Nominee for In the Heights), Tony Goldwyn (Conviction); Writers- David Lindsay-Abaire (Pulitzer Prize for Rabbit Hole), Doug Wright (Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award Winner for I Am My Own Wife), ?Lynn Nottage (Pulitzer Prize and Drama Desk Winner for Ruined), Rachel Axler (Emmy Award Winner for The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Parks and Recreation), Terrence McNally (Four-time Tony Award Winner for Master Class, Ragtime, Love!Valour! Compassion!, Kiss of the Spider Woman); Musical Act- Laura Bell Bundy(Legally Blonde) and Andy Davis (Let the Woman). Talent subject to change.

Since the first annual production in 2001, THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY benefit has been a driving force in helping Urban Arts Partnership grow from a $400K to a 4 million dollar organization, from serving 8 to 60 schools and from serving 2,000 to 12,000 students.

Rosie Perez, actress and Urban Arts Partnership Artistic Board Chair, explains, "It's hard to believe that it's the 10th anniversary of The 24 Hour Plays on Broadway! I haven't missed a single show, not only because there is no experience quite like it but more importantly because since its inception this event has helped grow Urban Arts Partnership into the organization it is today serving sixty schools across New York City reaching thousands of students. Montblanc's support over the past 5 years has taken the event to a new level, affording our students unparalleled opportunities to be involved in Master Classes, 24 Hour Plays in the Schools and the Young Writers Program."

The creative process for THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY will begin at 10PM on Sunday, November 13th -- the night before the show -- when a group of six writers, six directors, 24 actors, two musical guests, and a production staff gather at the American Airlines Theatre. After each of the cast members share a costume, prop, their special skills and stage desires -- each writer is tasked with composing a ten-minute play by 7 AM the following morning, when the directors return to read and select their piece. The casts will meet for the first time at 9 AM and, over the next 12 hours the plays are rehearsed and produced for a live presentation. At 8:00 PM, ink barely dry, the six new plays -- interspersed with six musical acts -- will be performed for a live audience.

As the main sponsor of THE 24 HOUR PLAYS ON BROADWAY, Montblanc continues to demonstrate the on-going support and commitment to arts and culture. "This very special 10th anniversary production is a testament to the continued success of the partnership with Urban Arts. This year's 10th anniversary production marks a decade of advancement in arts education," said Jan-Patrick Schmitz, President and CEO of Montblanc North America. "Montblanc and myself personally are dedicated and committed to the continuation to provide inspiration in arts education to thousands of urban youth. We are proud to give our undying support and thankful to be a part of such a wonderful cause."

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