Lucie Arnaz Will Direct NYC Reading of HAZEL Musical

One of the most beloved and enduring characters in the history of American popular culture could be headed for the stage. Hazel - the saucy maid whose wry attitude, infallible wisdom and heart of gold has captured the hearts of millions for more than 60 years - will soon get a New York City reading, directed by stage and screen star Lucie Arnaz. The special event will take place on October 23 and 24 at the June Havoc Theatre.

Hazel fetures music by composer Ron Abel and lyrics by Chuck Steffan. Lissa Levin, the Edward Kleban Award-winning playwright and Emmy-nominated producer has written the book.

The team tried to bring the musical to Broadway twice before in 2008 and 2011, but the project never came to fruition. Casting for the reading has not yet been announced.

Hazel first entered American hearts as a cartoon panel that appeared in the Saturday Evening Post in 1943 and delighted readers from every walk of life for more than a quarter of a century until the magazine's demise in 1969. By then, Hazel had become a television star, memorably brought to life by actress Shirley Booth's indelible performance as the wise and wisecracking housekeeper that keeps life moving along in the Baxter household. Hazel is an iconic character that speaks to all of us in ways that make us smile in recognition, and will touch contemporary audiences with her timeless attitude and sense of humor.