Theater News

Alan Cumming, Christy Altomare, and More Set for Reading of Sparkler

Erik Champney’s play is set in 1964 Hollywood.

Alan Cumming will lead an industry reading of the new play Sparkler.
Alan Cumming will lead an industry reading of the new play Sparkler.
(© David Gordon)

Jim Kierstead and Broadway Factor have announced a private industry reading for the new play, Sparkler. Written by Erik Champney and directed by Sheryl Kaller, the reading will be held in New York City on March 29.

Sparkler's cast includes Alan Cumming as Henry Willson, Erich Bergen as Clayton Boyd, Garrett Clayton as Jack Halpon, and Christy Altomare as Carol Hayes.

The play is described as follows, "The time is 1964, the place is Hollywood, and Clayton Boyd is the prototypical icon, movie star, husband, and devoted father – as far as the public knows. Behind closed doors, however, Clayton is an impulsive alcoholic and a closeted gay man whose hidden desires are bursting at the seams. The Hollywood moguls have kept his private life out of the public arena – until Jack arrives. Now Clayton's make-believe marriage is threatened, along with his public image."