Ellen Barkin, Mark Ruffalo Set for Reading of Larry Kramer's The Destiny of Me

The New Group will present a reading of Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart companion piece, The Destiny of Me, on the playwright's birthday, Monday, June 25, at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.

First presented in 1992, The Destiny of Me follows The Normal Heart protagonist Ned Weeks as he checks into a hospital to undergo an experimental treatment for AIDS. As he undergoes treatment, Ned reexamines his life as a young gay man growing up in a household and a world reluctant to accept who he is.

Directed by Trip Cullman, the benefit reading will feature Mark Ruffalo as Ned Weeks, as well as The Normal Heart Tony winner Ellen Barkin as Rena Weeks, Eric Bogosian as Richard Weeks, Gideon Glick as Alexander Weeks, Josh Hamilton as Dr. Thomas Hamilton, and Lee Pace as Benjamin Weeks. Stage directions will be read by Edie Falco, with Tony Kushner providing introductory remarks.