The Philadelphia Story and Lavender Men are Circle in the Square’s Monday Night Readings

The producers of the new Monday night lineup of readings The Circle Series, which opened its doors on Oklahoma!’s stage August 5, have committed to a mix of new and classic works. Launching the classic end of programming on Monday, August 19 is Philip Barry’s The Philadelphia Story, a play made famous by Katharine Hepburn’s dynamic Tracy Lord in the 1940 film. Producers have kept casting—completed by Eisenberg/Beans Casting—under wraps, but director Em Weinstein says this reading’s Lord family “will keep you on your toes.” 

“Em and I have talked about this play for years,” producer Rachel Shueystates, “and we are both passionate about finding ways to examine and break down gender roles, particularly in plays like this. Our cast, which reflects 2019 America, will have audience members rethinking how this story should be told today.”

The team behind The Circle Series and this reimagined take on The Philadelphia Story have the full support of Circle in the Square. Producer Zachary Spicer says, “Paul Libin [President, Circle in the Square Theatre School], E. Colin O’ Leary [Executive Director], and Susan Frankel [Chief Operating Officer, Circle in the Square Theatre] have really embraced our programming and the various things we’re trying to accomplish. We feel that our first two readings brought together the theater community in a new way and we want to continue to bring more folks in. So classic play lovers, this one is for you!”

Casting for The Philadelphia Story will be announced August 19, the morning of the show. August 26 will be a reading of Roger Q. Mason’s Lavender Men, most recently seen at Skylight Theatre in Los Angeles. Garrett Clayton (Hairspray Live!) joins that cast alongside Charlie Thurston’s Abe Lincoln.

About The Circle SeriesGiving theatre lovers a new option to spend a Monday night on Broadway, The Circle Series brings together the New York theatrical community, showcasing new and developing work through the voices of New York’s many talented artists on Circle in the Square’s Broadway Stage. The Circle Series is being presented by the Pigasus Institute and produced by Rachel Shuey in partnership with the Circle in the Square Theatre School. All donations benefit Circle in the Square Theatre School.

UP NEXT @ The Circle Series
August 19, 7pm – The Philadelphia StoryBy Philip Barry Directed by Em Weinstein
August 26, 7pm – Lavender Men By Roger Q. MasonDirected by Lovell HolderWith Garrett Clayton, Roger Q. Mason, and Charlie Thurston

Suggested donation: $20 Time: 7-10pm Social Hour begins at 6pm Location: Circle in the Square Theatre235 West 50th Street (Paramount Plaza building) For more info http://www.circleseries.org