Angelica Torn & George Bartenieff Join ReGroup's Paradise Lost 7/18

The ReGroup Theatre Company announced the final additions their reading of Paradise Lost by Clifford Odets. Over the past year, the ReGroup has been presenting highly acclaimed readings of the "lost" Group Theatre plays, and while this play is 'lost' in name only, they are excited to tackle this American classic. The ReGroup's 15 actors are pleased to be joined by Ms Torn, playing matriarch Clara Gordon, and Mr. Bartenieff, (fresh from The Merchant of Venice with Pacino) who will be revisiting the play after appearing in the televised version in the 1970's, alongside Eli Wallach, Jo Van Fleet and Bernadette Peters . The reading will take place on the Main Stage Theatre at The Irish Rep, 132 W 22nd St at 7 PM on Monday, July 18th. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Reservations are required. To RSVP, please call (212) 340-1054 or email RSVP@ReGroupTheatre.org

Clifford Odets frequently stated that Paradise Lost was his favorite of his plays. "It is my hope," that when people see [it], they're going to be glad they're alive. And I hope that after they've seen it, they'll turn to strangers sitting next to them and say 'hello.'" After a critical attack when it debuted in 1935, aimed primarily at Odets's writing, playwright, cast and the audience started a letter writing campaign chastising the critics for missing the depth of the piece. Its initial run only last 73 performances, but it has become a timeless and important play in the American Theatrical canon as it so beautifully depicts the Gordon family's struggle to keep up the American Dream despite all the obstacles thrown their way. Filled with some of the most brilliant soliloquies Odets has ever written, the ReGroup is excited to be able to give the play a rare New York staged reading.

The rest of the cast is composed of ReGroup actors: Angelo Angrisani, Tyler Burke, Rachel Casparian, Emily Ciotti, Mark Doherty, Selena C. Dukes, JacK Gilbert, Kelsey Moore, Allie Mulholland, Ross Nathan, Julian Sapala, Maurya Scanlon, Emilio Tirado, Shelley Valfer & Timothy Weinert.

The ReGroup also recently published Volume 1 of The "Lost" Group Theatre Plays. The book contains a foreword by Estelle Parsons and new essays from George Bartenieff, Allie Mulholland and Jeffrey Lawson. These classic plays, all of which have been out of print for over 75 years, are an important part of American Theatre History, and they are now available through www.regrouptheatre.org, Amazon.com and The Drama Book Shop.

Paradise Lost photo by Brett Wexler.