Stars Reunited in Reading of Shakepeare's 'Measure for Measure'

By Adele Bossard

Frog and Peach Theatre Company will present a star-studded reading of Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" on February 26, 2013 at The Player's Club, 16 Gramercy Park South, with a cast including Austin Pendleton as Angelo and Darrell Hammond as Pompey, together with Frog and Peach company members Ted Zurkowski as Lucio, Amy Frances Quint as Isabel, Eric Doss as Provost, Ryan Tramont as Escalus, Erick Gonzalez as Claudio and Jonathan Reed Wexler as Elbow. An original score by Ian McDonald (King Crimson, Foreigner) will be performed live by Mr. McDonald.

The reading will be directed by Lynnea Benson, Artistic Director of Frog and Peach Theatre Company. Its running time will be approximately 1 hour, 20 minutes (plus intermission).

Austin Pendleton as Claudius in reading of "Hamlet," a benefit for Frog and Peach Theatre Company, at The Players Club, February 2012. Photo by Jonathan Slaff.

Darrell Hammond is known to TV watchers as a member of Saturday Night Live's ensemble, but in Frog and Peach benefits, he has been displaying his Shakespeare chops. He played Guildenstern in their reading of "Hamlet" in February, 2012 and Edgar in "King Lear" last July. Austin Pendleton, a frequent star of Shakespeare in the Park, played Claudius and the Ghost in Frog and Peach's "Hamlet" reading last July. Ian McDonald composed and performed live scores for both of those readings.

The event will benefit Frog and Peach Theatre Company's upcoming production of "Titus Andronicus," to be presented April 25 to May 19, 2013 at The West End Theatre, 263 W 86th Street.

Darrell Hammond (left) as Edgar and Ian McDonald (right), playing his original score, in reading of "King Lear" at The Player's Club, July 2012. Photo by Jonathan Slaff.

Frog & Peach Theatre Company, founded in 1996 by members of the Actors Studio, brings modern audiences all the excitement and intrigue of Shakespeare's plays in an accessible, entertaining way. Benefit proceeds support free and discounted tickets to Frog & Peach Main Stage productions for under-served public school students in Upper Manhattan & the Bronx.

The Players Club at 16 Gramercy Park South (East 20th Street between Third Avenue and Park Avenue South) is a New York Landmark renowned for its beauty, luxurious decor, and rich theatrical history.

The gala is Tuesday, February 26 at 7:30 PM, with cocktails available at 6:45. The Players Club is located at 16 Gramercy Park South. Doors open at 6:45 PM. Tickets are $99 in advance and $149 at the door. To order, visit www.smarttix.com or call (212) 868-4444.

Please Check Local Listings for show times

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