Play readings return to Lycian Centre

Sugar Loaf, n.y. - Lycian Centre for the Performing Arts and Kings Theatre Company in Sugar Loaf, N.Y., will again offer their professional play reading series for the 2005-2006 season, beginning Monday, Oct. 17. Play readings provide audience members with a rare opportunity to actively participate in the creative process of professional play-writing by listening to new works being considered for Broadway or off-Broadway production. After hearing the play without the distraction of sets or costumes, audience members can share their opinions and thoughts with the actors and playwright during an informal wine and cheese reception immediately following the performance. This provides the playwright with early audience feedback as well as ideas for enhancing the play prior to production. Lycian Centre and Kings Theatre Company introduced this opportunity in June 2005, when actors Judd Hirsch, Debra Monk and Michelle Pawk read Pulitzer-prize winning playwright Michael Cristofer’s new play, The Whore and Mr. Moore. This season’s plays include new works by such up-and-coming playwrights as Robert Ackerman (Drama Desk Award winner for his play Tabletop), Wendy Yondorf (winner of the Berilla Kent award from Niagara University), M.Z. Ribalow (award-winning playwright, author, film instructor, and artist in residence at Fordham University), and R.L. Lane (founder and first artistic director of New Repertory Theater). Readings will take place at 7:30 p.m. Mondays in the Pavilion theatre at the Lycian Centre. Lycian Centre for the Performing Arts is an Equity theatre committed to bringing professional cultural events such as these to Mid-Hudson region. Kings Theatre Company is the 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization currently presenting and producing many of the shows held at the Lycian Centre. For information, call 845-469-2287, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday.