Berresse, Korey, Kristen and Murney Join Monday's Plaza Suite Benefit

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.

Plaza Suite is being produced by Suzy Myers and Jamie McGonnigal and will be directed by Jonathan Ross. One Life to Live's Ilene Kristen and Christopher Murney, along with Mamma Mia's Britt Shubow, star in the first act as a couple whose 23rd wedding anniversary brings more than just celebration. Laura Benanti (FX's Starved, Broadway's Nine, Into The Woods and Swing) and The Light in the Piazza's Michael Berresse (replacing Andrew McCarthy, who had a last-minute filming conflict) play former high school sweethearts reunited for one night at the Plaza Hotel. In Act III, All Shook Up's Alix Korey and Michael Badalucco (The Practice, O Brother, Where Art Thou) struggle with a daughter whose wedding day jitters leave her locked in the bathroom of their Plaza Suite. Other cast members include John Lavelle (The Graduate) and Toby Lawless.

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.