Jenn Colella and Jessica Phillips Star in New Austen Adaptation Industry Reading
Tony Award nominee Jenn Colella and Broadway veteran Jessica Phillips will lead an industry reading of Persuasion, A Queer Modern Farce, a new comedic adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel scheduled for October 23, 2026 in New York City. The contemporary farce, written by Lisa Quoresimo and directed by Mindy Cooper, features a diverse ensemble cast including Alma Cuervo and Susan Lynskey. The one-day reading explores themes of mature regret and the possibility of romantic renewal through a modern, queer lens.
The October 2026 reading marks an opportunity for audiences to experience a contemporary reimagining of Austen's beloved romance novel through a comedic and inclusive framework. The project brings together established theater talent—Colella, known for her Tony-nominated performances, and Phillips, a recognized figure in Broadway productions—alongside ensemble members Cuervo and Lynskey. By positioning the story as a farce with modern sensibilities, the adaptation explores how Austen's themes of second chances and emotional complexity might resonate when filtered through current theatrical aesthetics and perspectives on identity.
This reading could contribute to broader conversations about how classic literature continues to be reinterpreted for contemporary audiences. Such adaptations may influence how theaters approach canonical works, potentially encouraging more diverse casting and revisionist storytelling across the industry. The project might also affect how audiences engage with Austen's legacy—expanding who sees themselves represented in adaptations of her novels and potentially drawing new demographics to theatrical retellings of historical fiction.