Actors of screen and stage to read plays at ESU

EAST STROUDSBERG — The Pocono Mountains Theater Company is presenting public readings of contemporary plays with some of New York's most exciting writers, directors, and actors.

The readings will be performed at the Smith McFarland Theater, located in the Fine Arts Building at East Stroudsburg University.

"The Hate Inside, or Second Fiddle," written by Maggie Bofill, a founding member of the Labryinth Theater Company, will be read at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 26. The cast of three will include Florencia Lozano ("One Life to Live"), Matthew Saldivar ("The Wedding Singer" on Broadway) and Dawn McGee ("House of Cards," "Louie C.K."). Musical interludes will be performed by Michael Panes.

Newly hired hotshot professor, Salvatore, blows into town charming his administrative colleague Delia into befriending his lonely wife, Pepper. Trouble ensues when Pepper discover her new best friend is more than just friends with her husband.

"Until Death" by Sarah T. Schwab will be read at, 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. The cast of three will include Karen Allen ("Raiders of the Lost Ark," "Animal House," "White Irish Drinkers," and "Bad Hurt").

The play tells the story of an elderly woman who is faced with a life/death decision after her husband, a man with terminal heart disease, informs her that he will spend his final days alone in order to spare her emotional distress.

Readings are free and open to the public, with a $5 suggested donation at the door per reading.

Reservations are recommended as seats are filling up quickly. To ensure a spot, RSVP to: SarahT.Schwab@gmail.com and include your name, title of show, and the number of seats requested.

More readings will be offered in the summer and fall. For more information visit poconomountainstheatercompany.org.