One of the more interesting side gigs among filmmakers these days is Jason Reitman's occassional live readings of famous scripts. The format is pretty straightforward: he picks a script he likes, rounds up a bunch of starry friends and then hosts a live performance with the cast embodying the various roles, and reading it live on stage. “The Breakfast Club,” “Shampoo,” “Reservoir Dogs,” “The Princess Bride,” “The Big Lebowski,” "The Apartment" and "American Beauty" have all been given new interpretations, but his latest choice might be his most intriguing yet.
Reitman will now tackle "Glengarry Glen Ross" — the twist? He's lining up an all-female cast to voice the testosterone dripping script. It's a pretty ingenious approach, and one that will add an interesting texture to a play/movie that has long been known for its meaty male roles, something solidified by James Foley's 1992 film. Here's who will be taking it on via EW:
Robin Wright – hotshot sales agent Ricky Roma, originated by Al Pacino
Catherine O’Hara — desperate Shelley Levene, originated by Jack Lemmon
Maria Bello — Dave Moss, the tough-talking underperformer played by Ed Harris
Allison Janney — aging, weak-willed George Aaronow, originated by Alan Arkin
Mae Whitman — office manager John Williamson, played by Kevin Spacey
Pretty awesome all around, we have to say and we're particularly intrigued by the casting of Whitman as John Williamson. Of course, the big part left to fill is Blake, played by Alec Baldwin, a character that was not in the original play, was created for the movie, and has since gone on to be come legend. We would kind of love to see Parker Posey try that role on, but who do you think could do it justice? Let us know below.
The live read of "Glengarry Glen Ross" will take place on February 21st at Film Independent at LACMA.