Soap star Heather Tom ("One Life to Live") will play Marilyn Monroe in the world premiere of "The Secret Letters of Jackie and Marilyn" at the Pittsburgh Public Theater, Nov. 9-Dec. 10.

Appearing opposite Tom as Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy will be TV and film actress Gretchen Egolf. Playing Patty, Marilyn's hair-dresser assistant and confidante, will be the Broadway veteran and Tony award-winner Carole Shelley ("The Elephant Man," "Wicked").

The play, by Mark Hampton and Michael Sharp, is based on Wendy Leigh's novel, "The Secret Letters of Marilyn Monroe and Jacqueline Kennedy." It will be directed by Leonard Foglia ("Master Class," "On Golden Pond"), with designs by Michael McGarty (sets), David C. Woolard (costumes), Howell Binkley (lights) and Zach Moore (sound).

-- Christopher Rawson,
Post-Gazette theater critic