Busch to Reprise Auntie Mame Role in BC/EFA Benefit

Performer and playwright Charles Busch will have the title role in an all-star reading of Auntie Mame, the classic 1956 comedy by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee based on the novel by Patrick Dennis, to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS on Monday, November 24 at 7pm at the John Jay College Theater (899 Tenth Avenue). Busch first played the role in a previous BC/EFA benefit in 1998.

The cast for the reading also includes Michael Berresse (as Ralph Devine), Olympia Dukakis (Mrs. Upson), Swoosie Kurtz (Agnes Gooch), Robert Sean Leonard (Patrick Dennis), Rosie O’Donnell (Nora Muldoon), Marian Seldes (Vera Charles), Charles Shaughnessy (Brian O’Bannion), Douglas Sills (M. Lindsay Woolsey), B.D. Wong (Ito), Louis Zorich (Mr. Babcock), and T.J. Larke (Young Patrick Dennis). The performance will be directed by Richard Sabellico and costumes will be provided by Bottari and Case Costumes.

Auntie Mame tells the story of young Patrick Dennis’s adventures with his eccentric aunt. The original Broadway production of the play starred Rosalind Russell, who repeated her role in the 1958 film version. Lawrence and Lee also collaborated with Jerry Herman on Mame, the 1966 Broadway musical based on the play.

Tickets to the reading range from $40-$500 and may be purchased by calling 212-840-0770, ext. 268 or by visiting www.BroadwayCares.org.