Andrew McCarthy to Direct Love's Fire Benefit Reading

Opening Act, an innovative nonprofit that provides free after-school theater programming to New York City's most underserved public high schools, has announced that Andrew McCarthy (St. Elmo's Fire, Pretty in Pink, ABC's "Kingdom Hospital " and NBC's "E-Ring") will direct a cast of stars in Love's Fire, featuring three Shakespeare-inspired, one-act plays for the charity's 2006 fund-raising benefit. The production will take place on Monday, September 25th at 8 PM at New World Stages.

The production follows last year's successful reading of Neil Simon's Plaza Suite, which starred Broadway and television stars such as Laura Benanti (The Wedding Singer), Michael Badalucco (ABC's "The Practice"), Michael Berresse (The Light in the Piazza, A Chorus Line), Ilene Kristen (ABC's "One Life to Live") and Alix Korey (All Shook Up).

McCarthy, a Mentoring Artist for Opening Act since 2004, says the benefit is more than just an opportunity to work with a diverse cast of talented actors. "Opening Act is something I really believe in. Watching these kids learn theater-craft and improvisation techniques, seeing the fun they have and how their self-confidence grows, you know, it's pretty amazing."

"Watch this space. We've got some pretty exciting actors working on their schedules right now," says McCarthy. The star-studded cast will be announced at a later date.

"Opening Act believes every student deserves a place to shine. They provide the stage. Theater is the medium through which their students gain confidence, pride and the knowledge that they can succeed at anything in life. Currently providing after-school theater programs at four public high schools, Opening Act's mission is to see that every New York City public school student has access to an artistic space where they can develop commitment, community, and leadership through their artistic achievement," state press notes.

Tickets range from $30-$100 and can be purchased at www.openingactnewyork.org.