Tony Winner Adriane Lenox to Lead Reading of Revamped THE TESTAMENT OF MARY

Tony Award winner Adriane Lenox (Doubt, Tony Award) will headline a starry industry reading of a re-conceptualization of The Testament of Mary on October 1st. Conceived and directed by Michael Rader (A Christmas Story, Cirque du Soleil, Stalking The Bogeymen), this new adaptation of Colm Tóibín's The Testament of Mary will feature five different women sharing the title role of Mary, each representing how different cultures around the world view Mary.

Ms. Lenox will be joined by Lynn Cohen ("Sex and The City," The Hunger Games), Jill Paice (An American in Paris, Curtains), Elizabeth Kemp (The Actors Studio) and Thursday Farrar ("Ugly Betty") 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, "The concept of presenting Testament with multiple women playing the title role first developed after reading Mr. Tóibín's notes on his inspiration for the text where he speaks to how the idea of Mary varies greatly according to different sources. We actually garner little and often contradictory information about Mary from the bible - the gospels wavering considerably as to Mary's role and engrossment. What is undeniable is that this is a woman who witnessed firsthand the horrific torture and murder of her son. By marrying different ethnicities and backgrounds into the tapestry of the character we are able to convey her story in a uniquely candid and accessible manner."

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. Industry members interested in attending should email Joe@ReclaimedRoad.com and indicate their affiliation, or visit www.reclaimedroad.com for more information.