In addion to the gala celebrating the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center's 50th anniversary, which begins at 6 p.m. Friday in the center's sunken garden, the center continues offering staged readings this week.

The readings are all at the center, 305 Great Neck Road, Waterford, and tickets are $28. Call (860) 443-1238.

NATIONAL MUSIC THEATER CONFERENCE

"The White City" by Julia Gytri and Avi Amon: 3 p.m. Friday

NATIONAL PLAYWRIGHTS CONFERENCE

"Ugly Lies the Bone" by Lindsey Ferrentino: 8:15 tonight

Synopsis: Jess returns from war severely burned, only to find her Floridian hometown in a state of decay. Through the use of virtual reality video game therapy, she tries to restore her relationships, her home, and all that was lost.

"The Imaginary Music Critic Who Doesn't Exist" by David Mitchell Robinson: 8;15 p.m. Saturday, 7:15 p.m. Sunday

Synopsis: Lacey runs an influential music site on the internet - a site that can determine whether an act takes off or becomes an endnote in pop history. But when she uses the site's clout to hype a gifted but controversial MC, it threatens to unravel everything she's built.

"A Power Play: Or, What's-Its-Name" by A. Rey Pamatmat: 8:15 p.m. Wednesday and July 17

Synopsis: After State Assemblywoman Alex Hathaway's district suffers a violent and heart-wrenching tragedy, she goes to great lengths to capture a House seat in the next election. She even employs a strange, nameless thing to gain victory over her enemies through supernatural practices. But with all that determination and those ancient powers on her side, how did Alex end up with a community in shambles and a gun pointed at her head?

"Bright Half Life" by Tanya Barfield: 7:15 p.m. July 18, 8:15 p.m. July 19

Synopsis: A kaleidoscopic love story, Erika and Vicky are hurled through 25 years of love and heartbreak in a collection of the moments that make up a life.