The Opposite of Sex — featuring a score by Douglas J. Cohen — premiered this past fall at San Francisco's Magic Theatre. Doran's official website says the upcoming reading will also feature the stars of that production, including David Burtka, Kerry Butler, Jeff McCarthy, Donna Vivino and Karen Ziemba. Robert Jess Roth, who co-wrote the musical's book (based on Don Roos' screenplay) with Cohen, directs.
The new musical adaptation based on the 1998 film starring Christina Ricci and Lisa Kudrow began previews Sept. 25 at the California venue and opened Oct. 2 to positive critical and audience response. The work was extended to run through Oct. 31.
"The Opposite of Sex" followed the conniving 16-year-old Dedee Truitt (Ricci) as she moves in with her now-wealthy, gay half-brother Bill and ends up pregnant by his new boyfriend Matt. Bill's best friend and sister of his rich late lover, Lucia (Kudrow), is the only one who sees through Dedee's scheme.
Butler (Little Shop of Horrors) starred in the Ricci role with David Burtka (Gypsy) opposite Ziemba (Never Gonna Dance), Jeff McCarthy (Urinetown) and a cast that featured John Bolton (Titanic), Donna Vivino (Hairspray tour) and local actors Joe Mandragona and Ian Scott McGregor.
Michael Starobin — the 2004 Tony Award winner for Assassins — provided orchestrations for the new musical. Musical direction was handled by Brad Haak. The design team featured Derek McLane (set), Norm Schwab (lighting) and Daryl Frame (sound). Patricia Field ("Sex and the City") served as costume consultant while Leslie Bernstein was costume coordinator. Rick Sordelet handled fight coordination.