On November 18, Alec Baldwin & John Patrick Shanley Premiered “Outcasts” a production of five one act plays performed at The Lee Strasberg Creative Center Benefit with Erick Betancourt, Rebecca De Mornay, Ivette Dumeng, Susie Essman, Jeff Garlin, Jamie Hector, Alessandra Mesa, Debra Messing and Sidney Williams.
Alec Baldwin brought star power to the stage for a good cause with a benefit reading to support his Alma Mater, The Lee Strasberg Creative Center. ”My acting career literally began at the Strasberg Institute on 15th Street with Geoffrey Horne and Marcia Haufrecht, and I will always be grateful that I began my career here. Strasberg gave me a technique built upon a foundation of truth. Among the great playwrights working today, John Patrick Shanley’s writing, with both the humor and the drama marbled together, demands a focus and agility that I acquired largely through Strasberg. I have long admired Shanley’s remarkable work and I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate that work while benefiting my theatrical alma mater.” Victoria Krane, president of the Lee Strasberg Creative Center announced “This is inspired theater. Yesterday we celebrated Lee Strasberg’s 124th birthday. I want to thank everyone involved, and that unsolicited phone call from Alec Baldwin who offered to do this fundraiser with John Patrick Shanley and all these amazing actors.” Four of the evening’s performers—Alec Baldwin, Rebecca De Mornay, Jamie Hector and Alessandra Mesa—are alumni of The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.
“Each of these new pieces gives voice to the overlooked, the unheard, the exiled among us—the true outcasts,” said John Patrick Shanley. “It’s a challenging and exciting evening featuring actors who are fearless in their work.” The one-night-only event featured five new one-act plays written by Shanley; The Upside Down Man with Alec Baldwin and Alessandra Mesa; The Bonnet starring the beloved married duo from Curb Your Enthusiasm, Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman; The Estimate with Debra Messing and Ivette Dumeng, who also served as co-director for the evening alongside Lori Kee; Heartbreak with Sidney Williams, Jamie Hector, and Erick Betancourt; and Last Night in the Garden I Saw You with Alec Baldwin and Rebecca De Mornay. The night was accompanied by a three-piece jazz band.
The audience included Meg Ryan, Lee Fryd, Sharon King Hoge, LaVon Kellner, Eleanora Kennedy, Ellie Manko, Gillian McCain, Katharine McEwan, Kathy Roeder, David Strasberg, Lindsey Strasberg, Scarlett Strasberg, Sari Tracht, Desiree Von la Valette, and Roberta Wallach. About The Lee Strasberg Creative Center.
Before the first act, Ivan Hernandez (Company, Chicago Med) stepped before the audience, offering a warm welcome that opened the door to the sharp, immersive, unpredictable, and wickedly funny world awaiting them. When the curtain fell, VIP guests were ushered onto the main stage, where they mingled with benefactors, actors, Strasberg faculty, friends, and family—sharing wine, appetizers, and the lingering glow that follows a night of powerful theatre.
Every dollar of net proceeds—100%—benefited The Lee Strasberg Creative Center, ensuring that the legacy of craft and creativity continues to thrive.
The Lee Strasberg Creative Center was founded by Anna Strasberg in 1977 to share the legacy of the “Father of Method Acting” with future generations. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that offers an extensive scholarship program for young actors to train at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, commissions for early-career playwrights, directing fellowships, community outreach programs and cultural collaborations. It also maintains the archive of Lee Strasberg’s lectures and teaching and historical resources.
For more information please visit: www.strasberg.edu