Two-time Olivier winner Tracie Bennett, currently appearing Off-Broadway in Here We Are, will take on Broadway legend Tallulah Bankhead in private industry readings of a new play from Michael McKeever titled The Code. With Christopher Renshaw directing, the invite-only readings are set to be presented November 10 at 11 AM and 2 PM.

Joining Bennett in the cast will be Davi Santos as Chad Manford, Wesley Taylor as Henry Willson, and Tuc Watkins as Billy Haines.

The work centers on a pre-dinner cocktails evening hosted by Billy Haines, a one-time actor whose screen career was ended when he refused to deny his homosexuality in the 1930s. He's joined by Bankhead, herself gay if not expressly public about it; and agent Henry Willson, who brings his newest client, Chad Manford. Suddenly a debate is ignited about what it means to be a man in mid-century Hollywood. Willson is best remembered for helping to create the beefcake craze of the 1950s, representing such names as Rock Hudson and Tab Hunter, both of whom later revealed themselves to be gay.

Jim Kierstead is producing the readings, with Morgan R. Holbrook serving as production stage manager and Kelly Merritt as stage manager.

“I've always loved 1950s Hollywood, and getting the opportunity to work with Michael, Chris, and this incredible ensemble of talented actors and share this story thrills me to no end,” says Kierstead.

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