Press Release - The Actors Fund presents a one-night-only benefit reading of DIE! MOMMIE! DIE!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: June 6, 2006
Contact: Lynne Hoppe, 212.221.7300 ext. 129

CHARLES BUSCH AND CHRISTOPHER MELONI TO APPEAR ON STAGE IN ACTORS’ FUND BENEFIT READING OF DIE MOMMIE DIE!

Cast includes Jayne Houdyshell, Jenn Harris and Tom Mardirosian

(New York) – On Monday, June 19th, at 7:30 pm The Hudson Theatre will be the venue for a one-night-only staged reading of the Charles Busch cult classic play Die Mommie Die!, produced by The Actors’ Fund and starring playwright-actor Charles Busch and Christopher Meloni, best known for his role as Detective Eliot Stabler on Law & Order: SVU.  Recent additions to the cast include Tony-nominated Jayne Houdyshell, who just completed an acclaimed run on Broadway in Well; Jenn Harris, who made a splash with Silence! The Musical at last year’s fringe festival; Keith Nobbs, of off-Broadway's Dog Sees God, Stupid Kids, and Broadway's The Lion in Winter; and Oz veteran Tom Mardirosian, who has also appeared in Wonderful Town and My Favorite Year on Broadway.  The production is being directed by Carl Andress.

Busch will be returning to the role he premiered in Los Angeles in 1999, playing fallen pop diva Angela Andrews who, trapped in a loveless marriage and anxious to be with her ne’er-do-well young lover (Meloni), plots to murder her husband.  Busch also starred in the film version of the play, for which he won a 2003 Sundance Film Festival award for best performance.  The New York one-night-only production of Die Mommie Die! will feature costumes designed by Michael Bottari & Ronald Case, who designed all 40 of Busch’s gowns in the film version, as well as the costumes for the original stage play.  

The evening benefits The Actors’ Fund, a nationwide human services organization that helps all professionals – both performers and those behind the scenes – in performing arts and entertainment.  Tickets can be ordered via phone at 212.221.7300 x133 or email tickets@actorsfund.org.

About The Actors’ Fund

Founded in 1882, The Fund serves those in film, theatre, television, music, opera, and dance with a broad spectrum of programs including comprehensive social services, health services, supportive and affordable housing, emergency financial assistance, employment and training services, and skilled nursing and assisted living care.  Administered from offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, The Actors Fund is a safety net, providing programs and services for those who are in need, crisis, or transition.  Please visit The Actors Fund website at www.actorsfund.org.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES WELCOME

Pre-event interviews available with Charles Busch, Michael Bottari & Ronald Case, additional cast memebers

Costume photos or showings on request

Contact Lynne Hoppe, 212.221.7300 x129, lhoppe@actorsfund.org