Lynn Cohen to Lead Reading of Reinterpreted THE TESTAMENT OF MARY This Week

Lynn Cohen, best known for playing 'Magda' in the HBO series and movie SEX AND THE CITY and 'Mags' in THE HUNGER GAMES, returns to the New York stage to headline a starry industry reading of a re-conceptualization of THE TESTAMENT OF MARY on this Thursday, October 1st.

Completely re-conceived and directed by Michael Rader, who has made his mark internationally as Artistic Director for Cirque du Soleil, this completely new vision of THE TESTAMENT OF MARY will feature five dynamic actresses playing Mary -- each woman representing a different cultural representation of Mary.

Cohen will be joined by Adriane Lenox (Doubt, Tony Award), Jill Paice (An American in Paris, Curtains), Elizabeth Kemp (The Actors Studio) and Thursday Farrar ("Ugly Betty"). The five women will share the title role of Mary, the mother of Jesus, a role that was originally played by Fiona Shaw in the Broadway and London productions.

The stage production is based on Tóibín's novella of the same title, which explores Mary's interpretation of her son's life, one in which she questions his death, divinity and followers in the years following his crucifixion.

Rader said in a statement, "This new interpretation of THE TESTAMENT OF MARY will make you rethink your perception of the mother of Jesus, and will offer you an astonishing insight into the world's current frightening and fractional religious environment. This is an astonishing piece of theatre, ready to be developed, nurtured, and explored for a brand new audience."

Tóibín's additional works include "The Blackwater Lightship," "The Master," "The South, Homage to Barcelona," "The Heather Blazing," "The Story of the Night" and "Brooklyn."

Joe Grandy of Reclaimed Road Productions produces the reading. Those interested in attending should email Joe@ReclaimedRoad.com and indicate their affiliation.