Actors' Fund Announces Additional Casting for LA CASABLANCA

The Actors' Fund is proud to announce its third annual on-stage reading of a classic film screenplay —Casablanca on Sunday, May 1st, 2005. In the star-studded cast so far are Theodore Bikel as CARL, James Cromwell as Major Strasser, Andre De Shields as SAM, Neil Patrick Harris as JAN BRANDEL, Edward Herrmann as FERRARE, Sir Ben Kingsley as LOUIE RENAULT, and Jennifer Tilly as YVONNE. More casting news is expected shortly.

The public's reception was extraordinary to the 2003 reading of Joseph L. Mankiewicz's All About Eve, with Stockard Channing, Kirk Douglas, Calista Flockhart and Tim Curry and was only equaled by last year's all-star reading featuring Anjelica Huston, Patrick Wilson and Sir Ben Kingsley in Sunset Boulevard. The questions on everyone's lips are: Who will utter the famous words "Here's looking at you kid" originated by Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine. And who will tackle the role made famous by ultimate femme fatale, Ingrid Bergman, as Ilsa Lund, who put the line "Play it, Sam. Play As Time Goes By" on the lips of moviegoers everywhere.

Casablanca is the ultimate love story. Set in the gateway city of Casablanca during the Second World War, when Morocco was part of the Vichy government, the script masterfully evokes the intertwining acts of bravery, betrayal, intrigue and courage which go hand-in-hand with the personal cost of occupation and war. Ultimately, Casablanca is about the transformative power of love.

SPONSORSHIP/VIP TICKET OPPORTUNITIES $25,000 ~ THE "HERE'S LOOKIN' AT YOU, KID" CIRCLE 12 seats in one of the first 5 rows of your choice, full-page ad in the souvenir program, logo/name inclusion on all promotional materials including full page Variety ad, acknowledgment from the stage, invitations to VIP pre-performance reception and VIP post-performance cast party, signed posters, gift bag and complimentary parking.

$2,500 ~ THE "PLAY IT, SAM" CIRCLE (very limited) 1 seat in the first 5 rows center, Diamond Listing in the souvenir program, VIP pre-performance reception and post-performance cast party. Gift bag, signed poster and complimentary parking.

$1,000 ~ THE "AS TIME GOES BY" CIRCLE 1 prime orchestra seat, Platinum Listing in the souvenir program, VIP pre-performance reception, VIP post-performance cast party and complimentary parking.

$500 ~ THE "RICK'S CAFÉ" CIRCLE 1 priority orchestra seat, Gold Listing in the souvenir program, VIP pre-performance reception and VIP post-performance cast party.

$250 ~ THE "USUAL SUSPECTS" CIRCLE 1 good orchestra seat or 1 front mezzanine seat, Bronze Listing in the souvenir program and VIP post-performance cast party.

Non VIP tickets also available at $153, $103, $78, $53, $28 (includes Pantages Restoration Surcharge) through The Actors' Fund.

For all Sponsorship/VIP ticket sales or regular admission tickets and information , please call The Actors' Fund 323.933.9244, x54 or x35.

The Actors' Fund is the only national social service organization that assists members of the entertainment community in every sector of the industry. With a broad spectrum of programs, including health care services, a comprehensive AIDS initiative, supportive housing and a woman's health initiative, The Actors' Fund is the safety net that the entire entertainment community - from film editors and screenwriters, to musicians and dancers -- can depend on. The Fund provides these essential services to over 14,000 people yearly with the same indomitable spirit that they have demonstrated for over 120 years. For more information about The Fund call 323.933.9244 or visit www.actorsfund.org.