Nathan Lane Will Lead Roundabout's THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER Benefit Reading

Roundabout Theatre Company (Todd Haimes, Artistic Director) just announced a 50th Anniversary Season Benefit Reading of The Man Who Came to Dinner by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart starring Nathan Lane. Roundabout's Associate Artistic Director Scott Ellis will direct this one-night only reading.

Reuniting for one night only are members of the 2000 revival production: Nathan Lane (Sheridan Whiteside), Jean Smart (Lorraine Sheldon), Harriet Harris (Maggie Cutler),Stephen Derosa (Professor Metz), Byron Jennings (Beverly Carlton), Linda Stephens (Mrs. Stanley), Hank Stratton (Bert Jefferson), Mary Catherine Wright (Miss Preen), Julie Boyd (Sarah), Kit Flanagan (Mrs. Dexter), Mary Catherine Garrison (June Stanley), Julie Halston (Mrs. McCutcheon), Jeffrey Hayenga (John), Zach Shaffer (Richard Stanley) Additional cast members to be announced.

The Benefit Reading will take place on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 7:00 PM at Studio 54.

"Bringing the company of The Man Who Came to Dinner back together is a perfect way to celebrate Roundabout's 50th Anniversary Season. That wonderful production was the very first at the American Airlines Theatre, and it's a theatre that is central to the impact that we've been able to have. More than forty productions have followed in that space, bringing the classic revivals at the heart of Roundabout's mission to a wide audience. To me, the work of Kaufman & Hart is the gold standard for American comedy on stage, and I have fantastic memories of this piece in particular. It just doesn't get any better than Nathan Lane in a comic tour de force like this one. I'm thrilled to revisit The Man Who Came to Dinner in this incredibly special way," notes Artistic Director Todd Haimes.

Proceeds from the 50th Anniversary Benefit Reading of The Man Who Came to Dinner support Roundabout Theatre Company's many programs and initiatives, including the Company Archives and Classic Play Production Fund. Classic plays are the founding cornerstone of Roundabout Theatre Company's mission and the Classic Play Production Fund allows Roundabout to plan future productions that enrich New York City's theatrical landscape. Roundabout's Archives preserve materials related to current works and the 50 years of its nationally acclaimed, Tony- and Drama Desk-Awarded productions as well as institutional documents that chronicle how the company grew from a 150 seat off-off-Broadway theatre to the largest not-for-profit theatre in the country.

As a part of Roundabout's 50th anniversary celebration, this reading reunites members of the original cast for the first time in 15 years. The Man Who Came to Dinner first appeared on Broadway in 1939. Roundabout's 2000 revival, under the direction of Jerry Zaks, was the inaugural production at the American Airlines Theatre. The production was nominated for 2001 Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards and Jean Smart was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance. The acclaimed production was additionally broadcast on PBS in 2000 and later released on DVD.

Set during Christmas in the 1930s, The Man Who Came to Dinner deals with famous radio personality Sheridan Whiteside who is invited to dinner at the home of a rich factory owner. Before Whiteside enters the house, he falls and hurts his hip and ends up staying at the home to recover and consequently terrorizes the lives of the rich factory owner and his family.

VIP, Benefactor and Premium tickets include admission to an exclusive cast party following the performance.

Major support is provided by Michael T. Cohen, Colliers International LLC.