Theatre for the New City will host a one-night-only reading of Russ Pastena's new play, Yesterday's Bread, December 8. The performance will be free and open to the public, with a $5 suggested donation requested.

Danny Salles is directing the '80s-set work, following a New Jersey baker who whips up a lethal loaf with her nephew to protect her home and family.

The upcoming reading will feature Mary Testa (Oklahoma!), Annie Golden (Assassins), Joe Barbara (Just In Time), Josh Davis (Paradise Square), Cara Rose DiPietro (Catch Me If You Can), Stephanie Gibson (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and Alec Ludacka (The Perfect Game). Casting is by Eisenberg Casting's Daryl Eisenberg. Visceral Entertainment is general managing.

“I wrote Yesterday’s Bread because these characters have been yammering in my head for years, and it was time they annoyed someone besides me—an audience that might recognize their own kitchen in the chaos,” says Pastena in a statement. “And yes, like any good family recipe, there’s one legendary ingredient we never quite discuss…and that’s exactly the kind of surprise this play serves up. We are so excited to watch this extraordinary cast give voice to these characters. From there, I think the plan is simple—build them a proper kitchen, open the doors to a wider audience, and let the nostalgia, chaos, and carbs fly in a full production run.”

For reservations, email [email protected].