Off-Broadway Hit 'Matt and Ben' Comes to Carlsbad

Did the award-winning script for “Good Will Hunting” fall from the sky and into the living room of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon? That’s the question explored in the comedy “Matt and Ben” by Mindy Kaling (“The Office”) and Brenda Withers. Carlsbad Playreaders presents this one-act play on Monday, Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium.  

"We are excited to bring new plays and innovative scripts to our audiences,” says Eric Bishop, Carlsbad Playreaders artistic director. “What makes this play even funnier is the fact that both actors portraying Damon and Affleck are female and, at times, they are required to play a few additional roles as well.  Under the expert direction of Kim Strassburger, hilarity and skillful lampooning of pop culture ensues."

The cast features Jessica John as Matt Damon and Heather Paton as Ben Affleck. John has appeared in numerous productions at theaters around San Diego County including Cygnet Theatre, North Coast Repertory Theater, Moonlight at the Avo and . Paton is active in the San Diego theater community and has performed with Starlight Theatre, North Coast Repertory Theatre, Diversionary Theatre and Cygnet Theatre.

The play reading takes place at Carlsbad City Library’s Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, located at 1775 Dove Lane. Tickets are a suggested donation of $5 for adults and $1 for students. For more information, visit carlsbadplayreaders.org or call 760-602-2012.