Reading: 'The Women' at Holmdel Theater Co.

Holmdel Theatre Co. will host a reading of Clare Booth Luce's "The Women" next month.

Directed by Rudy Palma, "The Women" is an acidic commentary on the pampered lives and power struggles of various wealthy Manhattan socialites and up-and-comers and the gossip that propels and damages their relationships. The play is set in the 1930s.

While men frequently are the subject of their lively discussions and play an important role in the action on-stage, they are strictly characters mentioned but never seen. The author carries audiences through a number of varied scenes, showing not only a somewhat unflattering picture of womanhood, but also a human understanding of and sympathy with some of its outstanding figures.

The plot involves the efforts of a group of women to play their respective roles in an artificial society that consists of vain show, comedy, tragedy, hope and disappointment.


The reading will begin at 7 p.m. June 3. Holmdel Theatre Co. is located at 36 Crawford Corner Road, Holmdel. Admission to the reading is free, but due to its adult themes, it may not be suitable for young children.

Refreshments will be served during intermission.

The reading will feature the talents of Laura Casey as Mary (Mrs. Stephen Haines); Tara Cioletti as Crystal Allen; Debbie O'Brien as Sylvia (Mrs. Howard Fowler); Stephanie Long as Flora (The Countess de Lave); Eve Cannon as Peggy (Mrs. John Day); Leslie Hochman as Mrs. Morehead; Isabel Kinney as little Mary; Faith Dowgin as Edith (Mrs. Phelps Potter); Laurie Devino as Nancy Blake; Samantha Ambler as Miriam Aarons; Jill Mesonas as Jane; Jennifer Lubach as Lucy, Sadie and Miss Watts; Gina Shuster as Olga, Princess Tamara, Helene and "Cigarettes"; Zita Geoffroy-Heinz as Pat, instructress, nurse and ashtray; Shannen Doyle as hairdresser, model, Miss Trimmerback and smart girl; Gina Delio as voice, Lulu, saleswoman two and girl in distress; Carla Zackson-Heller as saleswoman one, Maggie and Dolly Dupuyster; and Grace Modla as the narrator.

Holmdel Theatre Co. has a mission to bring together professional actors, set designers and directors with non-professional community actors and high school students, to create an innovative environment that allows for hands-on education and mentoring. Veterans and new actors work side by side, learning and growing from each other’s talents and experiences.

For more information, call (732) 946-0427, visit the theater's web site, or write to info@holmdeltheatrecompany.org.