Roundabout's THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER Benefit Reading, Starring Nathan Lane & Jean Smart, Set for Tonight

Roundabout Theatre Company presents the 50th Anniversary Season Benefit Reading of THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, starring Nathan Lane. Joining the celebrated cast are Austin Durant ("Expressman, Technician, Police Officer"), Peter Kim ("Sandy"), Mark Linn-Baker ("Dr. Bradley"), Ned Noyes ("Michaelson/Westcott/Expressman"), Harrison Unger ("Stage Directions"), Richard Poe ("Mr. Stanley"), Lee Wilkof ("Banjo") and Mary Louise Wilson ("Harriet Stanley"). Roundabout's Associate Artistic Director Scott Ellis directs this one-night only reading tonight, December 7, 2015 at 7 PM at Studio 54.

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.

"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.

Tax-deductible benefit tickets are available by calling Roundabout's Development Office at 212-719-9393 ext 369.

Underwriter Package at $25,000 ($23,400 tax-deductible) - Includes eight premium house seats in center orchestra; listing as an Underwriter on all posters, programs and press materials below show title; invitation to exclusive pre-show cast and crew dinner for all eight guests; invitation to attend post-show cast party; and a limited edition, framed show poster signed by the company

Benefactor Ticket(s) at $2,500 ($2,300 tax-deductible) - Includes premium house seat in center orchestra, complimentary cocktail at intermission, invitation to attend post-show cast party and a limited edition, framed show poster signed by the company.

VIP Ticket(s) at $1,000 ($800 tax-deductible) - Includes premium seat in center orchestra, complimentary cocktail at intermission and an invitation to attend post-show cast party.

Premium Ticket(s) at $500 ($400 tax-deductible) - Includes orchestra seat and a complimentary cocktail at intermission.

To purchase tickets at the Premium level and above, or to learn more about Underwriter Packages, please contact Natalie Rohr at 212-719-9393 ext. 369; natalier@roundabouttheatre.org.

Select orchestra and mezzanine tickets ($100 - $250) will also be available to the general public by calling Roundabout Audience Services at (212) 719-1300 or online at www.roundabouttheatre.org/themanwhocametodinner.