MTC Announces Lineup for Ernst C. Stiefel '7@7' Reading Series: Theresa Rebeck, Stephen Adly Guirgis and More

Manhattan Theatre Club has announced the lineup for this spring's Ernst C. Stiefel "7@7" Reading Series.

The readings kick off Monday, March 4 at 7 PM and will be held on consecutive Mondays through April 15. The readings will take place at New York City Center - Stage I (131 West 55th Street). All readings are free and open to the public, but space is limited and RSVPs are required. To RSVP, please visit http://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/events/77-reading-series or call (212) 399-3000 x 4163.

Now in its 15th year, this rehearsed reading series is dedicated to the support and development of innovative new work. The Ernst C. Stiefel Foundation has supported Manhattan Theatre Club's reading series since 2006.

Several plays developed in 7@7 have gone on to full productions at MTC, including David Auburn's Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning Proof, Joe Hortua's Between Us, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's Based on a Totally True Story, and Molly Smith Metzler's Close Up Space (Susan Smith Blackburn finalist).

7@7 plays that have been produced elsewhere in New York and around the world include Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's Good Boys And True, Heidi Schreck's There Are No More Big Secrets, Stephen Adly Guirgis' The Little Flower of East Orange, Julia Cho's Durango, David Adjmi's Stunning, Naomi Iizuka's Strike-Slip, Adam Rapp's Red Light Winter, Theresa Rebeck's The Scene, Eric Simonson's Fake, Jonathan Caren's The Recommendation, The Civilians' The Great Immensity, and Rona Munro's Donny's Brain.

Below is the schedule for the Ernst C. Stiefel "7@7" Reading Series. Please note, each reading starts at 7 PM.

March 4: THE WHO & THE WHAT by Ayad Akhtar, directed by Gaye Taylor Upchurch

Zarina has a bone to pick with the place of women in her Muslim faith, and she's been writing a book about the Prophet Muhammad that aims to set the record straight. When her traditional father and sister discover the manuscript, it threatens to tear her family apart. With humor and ferocity, Akhtar's incisive new drama about love, academia, and religion examines the chasm between our traditions and our contemporary lives.

Ayad Akhtar's play Disgraced played at Lincoln Center's Claire Tow Theater (LCT3) in 2012, and will premiere at the Bush Theater in London in May 2013. Disgraced won the Jeff Equity Award for Best New Play in 2012.

March 11: ODYSSEY ROOM by Greg Pierce, directed by Daniel Aukin

Three estranged friends meet at their condemned middle school on the day before its demolition. A little more than memories come out of the woodwork in this vivid, honest and haunting tale.

Greg Pierce's play Slowgirl was the inaugural production at Lincoln Center's Claire Tow Theater (LCT3). The Landing, Greg's musical written with John Kander, will be produced at the Vineyard Theatre next season.

March 18: THE MORNING THE SUN FELL DOWN by Jonathan Caren, directed by Evan Cabnet