Cherry Lane to Host The Fifth Horseman Reading

The Tongues Reading Series will present Michael O'Keefe's new play at Lincoln Center on November 2.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Comedy

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a lone stool and blank manuscript on a theater stage, representing a live play reading.
Cherry Lane Alternative will present a live reading of Michael O'Keefe's new play, The Fifth Horseman, at Lincoln Center on November 2. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Cherry Lane Alternative will present a live reading of Michael O'Keefe's play The Fifth Horseman on November 2, 2026. The performance features actors Dylan Baker, Ryan Eggold, Clark Gregg, and Rachel Ticotin at The Clark Studio Theatre.

Why it matters

This event is part of the long-running Tongues Reading Series, which offers playwrights a crucial platform to refine developing work alongside professional actors and a live audience.

The Tongues Reading Series has successfully presented more than 300 readings of new American plays since launching in 1998.

The players

Michael O'Keefe

He is the playwright who authored The Fifth Horseman for the Tongues Reading Series.

Don Scardino

He is the director responsible for guiding the professional cast during the upcoming reading.

Dylan Baker

He is a professional actor performing in the upcoming reading of the new play.

Ryan Eggold

He is a professional actor cast in the production of the new play.

Clark Gregg

He is a professional actor taking part in the reading at the studio theater.

The details

Directed by Don Scardino, the reading allows the playwright to hear the script interpreted by professional performers in a workshop environment. The event marks the latest installment in a program established to support the evolution of new theatrical works.

Timeline

  1. The Tongues Reading Series was first launched in 1998.

  2. The world premiere reading of The Fifth Horseman is scheduled for November 2, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The reading follows the format established by the Tongues Reading Series to test new American scripts. This production continues the long-standing tradition of using workshop environments to refine new stage works before full-scale commercial commitments.

Theater enthusiasts can attend the live reading at The Clark Studio Theatre to witness the developmental process firsthand. The performance provides a unique opportunity to see professional actors interpret a new script by Michael O'Keefe.

The takeaway

Workshops allow playwrights to observe audience reactions and actor delivery before finalizing a script for production. Aspiring playwrights can use these reading series as a model for developing their own creative material.

Further reading

For more on the local performing arts scene, visit the New York City Comedy section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Broadway World.

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