The Wilma Theater's Free Reading Series Returns in October October 9, 2006

Each season hundreds of theater lovers attend The Wilma Theater’s free reading series, Season Teasers, which will return with its first three readings in October. The series offers audiences an exclusive opportunity to hear plays – chosen from the best new writing from the U.S. and abroad – which are under consideration for future Wilma seasons, read by some of Philadelphia’s finest actors. Each reading is followed by a lively discussion with the dramaturg, Walter Bilderback. Six readings will take place in the fall of 2006 on October 9, 16, and 30; November 20; and December 11 and 18; all at 7:00 p.m. Season Teasers readings are free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Please call the Box Office for reservations at (215) 546-7824, and visit www.wilmatheater.org for more information. The Wilma Theater is located at 265. S. Broad Street.

OCTOBER READINGS:
The Gabriels
by Van Badham
Monday, October 9 at 7:00 p.m.

A surprising and relevant new play by Australian writer Van Badham, The Gabriels explores family relationships, stem cell research, the Bible, and graphic novels. Featuring Quinn Bauriedel (founding member, Pig Iron Theatre Company), Lenny Haas (Barrymore Award Winner), Meghan Heimbecker (soon to be in the Wilma's My Children! My Africa!), David Ingram (People's Light and Theatre Company member), Mary Martello (Barrymore Award Winner), Sarah Sanford (soon to be in the Wilma's The Life of Galileo), and Catharine K. Slusar (Barrymore Award Winner); directed by Walter Bilderback.
Knives in Hens
by David Harrower
Monday, October 16 at 7:00 p.m.

One of the most produced plays in Europe in recent years, Knives in Hens is a haunting and poetic tale of love, adultery, betrayal, and a woman's journey from fear and ignorance to knowledge and imagination. Featuring Amanda Schoonover (Barrymore Award Nominee this year for Killer Joe), Ben Sheaffer (the Wilma's Cloud 9, Broadway's The Sound of Music, Off-Broadway's Corpus Christi), and Bill Zielinski (the Wilma's Outrage and 5-time Barrymore Award Nominee); directed by Harriet Power.

The Further Adventures of Hedda Gabler
by Jeff Whitty
Monday, October 30 at 7:00 p.m.

Tony-winning playwright Jeff Whitty (Avenue Q) brings Ibsen's heroine back to life – or rather, to a literary afterlife, where she sets off on a hilarious and moving quest to break her story's cycle with the assistance of Medea, Mammy (from Gone With the Wind), and a host of other literary characters. Directed by Bill Felty.

Official Website: http://wilmatheater.org