Kathleen Turner and Robert Cuccioli Join Cast of September 26th 'On the Twentieth Century'

Kathleen Turner ("The Graduate," "...Virginia Woolf") and Robert Cuccioli ("Jekyll & Hyde") have just been added to the roster of stars appearing in ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY, presented by The Actors' Fund of America as its Fifth Annual Broadway Benefit Concert. Directed by Peter Flynn, ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY will take place on Monday, September 26, 2005 at Broadway' s New Amsterdam Theatre (214 W. 42nd St.). Curtain is at 7:30 p.m.

Ms. Turner and Mr. Cuccioli will appear in the cameo roles Imelda Thornton and The Doctor, respectively. They join previously announced stars Marin Mazzie, Douglas Sills, Joanne Worley, Brooks Ashmanskas, Cheyenne Jackson, Dvid Josefsberg, Andy Karl, Tyler Maynard, Brad Oscar and Christopher Sieber.

Steeped in the glamour of Hollywood circa 1932, ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY is a screwball comedy with an unforgettable score and an unexpected love story. Set on the celebrated The 20th Century Ltd. from Chicago to New York, this wildly entertaining musical is an uproarious valentine to show business.

With a Tony winning score and book by Cy Coleman (Music) and Betty Comden & Adolph Green (Book and Lyrics), ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY concerns the efforts of a grandiose theatrical impresario, Oscar Jaffe (Douglas Sills), to persuade glamorous film star - and his former lover - Lily Garland (Marin Mazzie) to appear in his new stage production.

Lily's involvement will guarantee a hit for Jaffe and save him from his creditors as well as resuscitate his floundering artistic reputation. With the help of his two faithful henchmen and a somewhat off-kilter religious zealot, Jaffe struggles to outwit Lily, her preening movie star boyfriend Bruce Granit as well as a rival producer. And all this has to happen before the 20th Century Ltd. reaches New York.

Co-starring Brooks Ashmanskas as Owen O'Malley, Brad Oscar as Oliver Webb and Christopher Sieber as Bruce Granit, ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY features musical direction by Seth Rudetsky and choreography by Denis Jones. Additional casting will be announced shortly.

The creative team for ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY includes Paul Weimer (sets), Rob Bevenger (costumes), Jeff Croiter (lighting), Scott Stauffer (sound) and Tim Pinckney (concert adaptation). It is produced by The Actors' Fund of America (Andrew Kato, Executive Producer; Catherine Cooke and Tim Pinckney, Associate Producers).

ON THE TWENTIETH CENTURY is sponsored by The New York Times, HX Magazine, Tony Dellasalla, The Advocate, John's Pizza and The New Amsterdam Theatre.

Tickets for the one-night-only benefit are priced $75-$2,500 and are available by calling (212) 221-7300, ext. 133. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.actorsfund.org.

ABOUT THE ACTORS' FUND OF AMERICA...

The Actors' Fund of America, founded in 1882, is the national human service organization helping all entertainment professionals in theatre, television, film, music, opera and dance. The Actors' Fund's broad spectrum of programs - designed to address the specific needs of the community - includes comprehensive social services, financial assistance, supportive and affordable housing, career counseling, and skilled nursing and assisted living care. Administered from offices in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago, these programs help people solve problems and make positive changes in their lives. The Fund is always there; helping colleagues in times of need. Please visit our website at www.actorsfund.org to learn more.