A few years ago, award-winning playwright Jeffrey Hatcher got his first crack at a major-league screenplay when he adapted his work Stage Beauty (2004) for the screen. A scant two years later, Hatcher's Casanova (directed by Lasse Halstrom) has just completed shooting in Venice, and he's writing films for directors Steven Shainberg (Secretary) and Kim Pierce (Boys Don't Cry), as well as a series pilot for HBO. On Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m., Hatcher will be at The Music Hall for a special screening of Stage Beauty. Hatcher, along with noted theater director Kent Stephens, will join host Trevor F. Bartlett after the end credits for "what promises to be an insightful discussion about artistic process, life behind the scenes, and the continuing impact of Shakespearean theater on the arts," according to Music Hall press materials.

Stage Beauty, set in the golden age of Shakespearean theater, stars Billy Crudup as an egocentric stage actor who's London's leading lady until he's rendered an overnight has-been when his primarily female roles are given over to women by king's decree. The film also stars Claire Danes, Tom Wilkinson and Rupert Everett.

Hatcher and Stephens will accept questions from the audience immediately following the screening. "These gentlemen are consummate professionals at the top of their fields. Their paths are just littered with success," says Music Hall movie manager Trevor F. Bartlett in the press release. "They're quick, cultured and funny like you wouldn't believe. You can feel the collective I.Q. jump when they enter a room. They've got some fascinating stories to tell, and man, do these guys know how to tell a story. It'll be a great conversation."

Hatcher, whose works have been performed on and off Broadway and all around the country, hails from Minnesota, as does Kent Stephens, who is also the spouse of Music Hall executive director Patricia Lynch. Stephens is a director of over 150 stage productions in American regional theater and off-Broadway, including two premiere plays by Jeffrey Hatcher, "Three Viewings" and "Good'n'Plenty." An avid teacher and student of Shakespeare, he's also well acquainted with the early Restoration period and the reign of Charles II.

Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for students, seniors and military. Tickets go on sale 30 minutes prior to showtime. For this one decidedly transvestite-heavy feature only, take advantage of The Music Hall's special "Drag Yourself Out" promotion-cross-dress and get in free! "Suits and ties for the ladies, dresses for the lads," suggests Bartlett. For more information, call 603-436-2400 or visit www.themusichall.org.