Date: Apr 18, 2008

Hofstra Entertainment Presents "Harry & Eddie: The Birth of Israel"

Written by Hicksville Native, Noted Actor, Author and Playwright Mark Weston

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY … Hofstra Entertainment is presenting a staged reading of Mark Weston’s play Harry & Eddie: The Birth of Israel at Hofstra’s Emily and Jerry Spiegel Theater, May 16, 17 and 18, 2008.

The show, directed by Bob Spiotto, is being presented in conjunction with Israel at 60: A Celebration; Armed Forces Day; and as part of Hofstra University’s Educate ’08 Initiative.

Performances are 8 p.m. on Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Each performance will be followed by a talk-back session with the playwright, cast and director.

Tickets are $16 $12 for senior citizens (over 65) or matriculated non-Hofstra student with ID. Members of the Hofstra community receive one free ticket upon presentation of a current HofstraCard. No reserved seats. For tickets and more information call the Hofstra Box Office at (516) 463-6644, Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Or visit www.hofstra.edu/HofstraEntertainment.

Featuring Joe Ryan as Harry S. Truman, Hofstra alumnus Rick Grossman as Eddie Jacobson, and Hofstra alumna Kathleen Mucciolo as Bluma Jacobson, Harry & Eddie explores the relationship between former U.S. President Harry S. Truman and fellow World War I veteran Eddie Jacobson from 1915 to 1948. Their friendship would become key in the founding of the State of Israel.

Playwright Mark Weston, a native of Hicksville, NY has been writing for over 30 years. His many credits include Beckwourth, Beckwourth…The Later Years, Bagels and Luck, The Ninth of April, I’m With You! Shoehorn, Split Infinitive, De Witt C!, Harry and Eddie and the musical Louise, starring Paige O’Hara. Screenplays include Beckwourth, Carnival Magic, Pershing, A New Tomorrow, Slade, Crispus Attucks, and the documentary Inca Remembered, which was the recipient of more than 30 international awards.

Additionally, Mark has written for daytime serials, and game shows including The Price is Right.  His books include Baseball Bloopers for Prentice-Hall and Winning Monologues from the Beginnings Workshop, published by Samuel French/Bakers Plays, in 1994. His latest books, 101 Winning Monologues for Young Performers Including Valuable Acting Hints and 80 Exciting Original Monologues for Adult Performers will soon be available.

Mark has taught and continues to teach writing at the Screen Actor’s Guild conservatory in New York. He is a member of the Dramatist’s Guild. An actor for more than 50 years, he was a member of Lee Strasberg’s first classes starting in 1954. Mark continued studying with Mr. Strasberg for 11 years. Mark has appeared on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in many touring companies, as well as in films. He has been seen on numerous soap operas including The Guiding Light, The Secret Storm, The Edge of Night and Another World.