Howard, Rubinstein, York, et al. Join Casablanca Reading

Thora Birch, Henry Gibson, Ken Howard, Tom McGowan, John Rubinstein, and Michael York have joined The Actors’ Fund of America’s all-star reading of the screenplay of the 1942 film Casablanca, to be held at the Pantages Theater in Los Angeles on October 2 at 4pm. Peter Hunt will direct the reading, which will be preceded by a VIP reception hosted by Angela Lansbury.

As previously reported, the reading will star Anne Heche (Ilse) and Christian Slater (Rick). Birch will be Anina Brandel; Gibson will be Berger; Howard will be Ferrari; Rubinstein will be Victor; and York wil be Strasser. The supporting cast will also include Dan Castalanetta (Signor Ugarte), Bruce Davison (Emil), André De Shields (Sam), Edward Herrmann (Louis),and Hal Sparks (Jan Brandel).

Generally considered to be one of the best films ever made, Casablanca tells the story of star-crossed lovers Rick (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilse (Ingrid Bergman), set against the background of World War II. The screenplay, by Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch, has been adapted for the stage by David Rambo.

Tickets to the benefit range from $28 to $2,500. For more information, call 323-933-9244 or visit www.actorsfund.org.