Benanti and McCarthy Star in PLAZA SUITE Benefit Reading September 19

On September 19th, an all-star reading of Neil Simon's Plaza Suite will benefit the future expansion of Opening Act, an innovative nonprofit that provides free after-school theater programming to New York City's most underserved public high schools.

Produced by Suzy Myers and Jamie McGonnigal and directed by Jonathan Ross, Plaza Suite stars Laura Benanti (FX's Starved, Broadway's Nine, Into the Woods and upcoming Wedding Singer) and Andrew McCarthy (St. Elmo's Fire, Pretty in Pink, ABC's Kingdom Hospital, and NBC's upcoming E-Ring) who play former high school sweethearts reunited for one night at the Plaza Hotel. The cast also features John Lavelle (Broadway's The Graduate).

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. For more information on Opening Act, please visit www.openingactnewyork.org.

The reading will take place at the High School for the Humanities -- 351 West 18th Street -- on Monday, September 19th at 8PM. A reception will be held for Premium Ticket Holders at 6:30 PM. Tickets range from $10-$100 and can be purchased at www.openingactnewyork.org.