GINGOLD THEATRICAL GROUP
presents!

Join us for a casual sit-down unstaged one-time reading of
Enid Bagnold’s THE CHALK GARDEN
at The Players on Monday, May 19 at 1:00 PM.

This special larkish afternoon gathering stars the incomparable Charles Busch, who will be joyously joined by Christopher Borg, Emma Geer, Kate Hampton, David Staller, Jennifer Van Dyck, Jonathan Walker, and surprise guests!

FREE and open to the public, with a suggested donation online or at the door.

This is a rare chance to experience Bagnold’s eccentric, funny, and mysterious mid-century play in an intimate setting, brought to life by a group of distinguished artists in a spirit of play and exploration.

Doors open at 12:30 PM — seating is first come, first served.

YOU MUST RESERVE A SEAT TO ATTEND!

Monday, May 19th, 1 pm

The Players
16 Gramercy Park South
(20th Between Park and 3rd Avenues)

LIMITED SEATING!

THE CHALK GARDEN. Mrs St Maugham lives in her country house in a village in Sussex, England, where the garden is on lime and chalk, making it difficult for her to succeed in her determined but incompetent efforts as a gardener. She is taking care of her disturbed teenage grandchild, Laurel, who has been setting fires. Miss Madrigal, an expert gardener, is hired as a governess, despite her lack of references. Also in the household is a valet, Maitland, who has just been released from a five-year sentence in prison. Olivia, Laurel’s mother, who has remarried, arrives for a visit. When the Judge comes to the house for lunch, he reveals that he had sentenced Miss Madrigal to jail for murder.

“For many years, Charles Busch and I have entertained pals in his sitting room with private ‘at-home-readings’, always featuring his wish-list of Leading Lady roles”, says David Staller. “This time, with Bagnold’s THE CHALK GARDEN, we’re inviting everyone to sit in on this extremely informal non-staged opportunity to see Charles play one of his dream roles. We’re paying for the hall, so donations are welcome but not necessary. But you must reserve a seat! See you there!”