Tony winner Katrina Lenk (The Band's Visit)has joined the cast of Ryan O'Connor's The Cowards: A Marvelously Queer New Comedy, which is getting an invite-only NYC industry reading December 6 at Pearl Studios. Michael Wilson (The Trip to Bountiful) is directing, with Martian Entertainment and Graham Wetterhahn producing the Broadway-aimed project.

Lenk replaces the previously announced Taylor Schilling in the role of Maxine Coward. The cast also includes O'Connor as Lawrence Coward, Eva Reign as Ruby Coward, Isaiah Standard as Spencer Coward, Veanne Cox as Kay Ritter, Brandon Uranowitz as Smith Myron, Charlie Barnett as Baldwin Greatham, Ari Notartomaso as Jackie Lester, and Makai Hernandez as Payn Tyler.

The work, O'Connor's first full-length play, is a queer, modern take on Noël Coward's Hay Fever, centering on a four-person dysfunctional chosen family unit that each invites a surprise guest to join them in Provincetown for the weekend. The work previously held a benefit reading in L.A. for the Los Angeles LGBT Center in 2023.

Or Matias will music direct, with Bob Bennett serving as stage manager. Casting is by The Telsey Office's Craig Burns and Charlie Hano.

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