CIRQUE DU SOLEIL Star Shereen Hickman Joins Cast Of TRIAL At The Tilles Center

A one night benefit reading of Trial, a new play by Ashley Griffin(Snow, Twilight the Unauthorized Musical Parody), and directed by Lori Petty(Orange is New Black, A League of Their Own) will take place on Thursday March 28, 2019, at 7:00 P.M., at the Krasnoff Theatre - Tilles Center of C.W. Post College, in Brookville, New York.

Trial tells the unique, provocative, story of a young woman waiting for her own judgment in the bureaucratic system of the afterlife where she finds herself in the role of judge and jury to determine the eternal fate of her father, the man responsible for her abuse and death. The play is inspired by a true story.

Proceeds from the production will benefit the Children and Family Services of WellLife Networkand support the agency's Long Island network of education, training and counseling services for children and adult survivors of sexual violence.

"The issue of family violence affects the entire family," said Rebecca Costa, Vice President, Long Island Operations. "Our person-centered treatment services serve not only the survivor of sexual trauma, but the entire family on their path to recovery and wellness." Suicide is an all too common result of sexual trauma. WellLife Network has developed workshops and training seminars on suicide prevention that address these issues which are designed for community stakeholders, clinical/ non-clinical staff, educators, families, students, and other concerned citizens.

Deborah Boatright,benefit co-chair and a board member of WellLife Network, said "We are thrilled and very honored to have a large portion original cast perform this benefit-staged reading for us. Ashley Griffin's haunting play movingly explores the issue of justice vs. mercy and the question: 'What would a victim decide if they could determine their abusers eternal fate?' This ensemble makes a strong statement - with a united voice and as a community - about the importance of raising awareness and stopping abuse against children and the subsequent dire effects of these acts which surface later in life.

Trialhad a sold out, hit run this year off-Broadway at The American Theater of Actors (produced by THML Theatre Company,) and has been developed at Broadway's Manhattan Theater Club.

Cast members for Trial include: Ryan Clardy* (One Life To Live,) Ashley Griffin*(The Greatest Showman, "Hamlet" in Hamlet,) Shereen Hickman*(Amaluna,) Steve Hauck* (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,) Jete Laurence(Pet Sematary,) Jennifer Regan*(Born Yesterday,) Malcolm Stephenson* and Galyana Castillo* (Rocktopia.) Assistant direction by Madeline O'Hara (Blogologues)

*Appear courtesy Actors Equity Association

The production is directed by Lori Petty- Ms. Petty quickly achieved celebrity status in Hollywood, starring in A League of Their Own, Tank Girland others. Most recently, she has become the fan favorite star of Orange Is the New Blackand Gotham. Petty made her directorial debut with the feature film The Poker House,which she co-wrote.

Theater patrons who purchase tickets at $175 and Corporate Sponsors will be invited to an exclusive cocktail party and Talkback sessionwhere they will meet and greetthe director, author and cast of TRIAL - a great photo opportunity for you and your family.