Cast Includes Jesse Eisenberg, Dulé Hill, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mark Hamill, Richard Kind, Alan S. Kim, Paola Lázaro, Kelly McCreary, Bernadette Peters, Josh Andrés Rivera and Tracie Thoms
NEW YORK, Sept. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- On Thursday, September 10, at 8:30 PM ET the Workers Circle will host a live, virtual celebrity table read of the Academy Award-nominated animated classic, 'An American Tail.' The cast includes Jesse Eisenberg, Dulé Hill, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mark Hamill, Richard Kind, Alan S. Kim, Paola Lázaro, Kelly McCreary, Bernadette Peters, Josh Andrés Rivera and Tracie Thoms, among others. Tickets are available on a sliding scale from $18 to $72 with all proceeds supporting the Workers Circle's ongoing work to build a more inclusive democracy by defending constitutional rights, protecting immigrants, empowering voters, standing up for justice and sustaining vital programs in communities across the nation.
"'An American Tail' is a familiar story about the hopes that bring people to this country and the courage it takes to build a better future once they arrive," said Ann Toback, CEO of the Workers Circle. "The pursuit of freedom and justice has never been easy, but it has always been worth striving for.
"I remember watching An American Tail for the first time as a kid growing up in New York," said actor Jesse Eisenberg. "It's a story of one family, but also of New York City, the American dream and so much more. I remember how it spoke to the experience of so many families, including my own. To retell this timeless story, we've assembled a team of award-winning actors and performers. I'm excited to lend my voice to this timely and important project."
"My grandmother was a social worker who worked for the Workers Circle, so this organization is part of my own family's story," said Jessica Hecht, best known for her role as Gretchen Schwartz on Breaking Bad. "Today, its mission of preserving democracy in the United States is more important than ever. The Workers Circle has left an indelible imprint on the American story, and I'm proud to be part of carrying that legacy forward."
During a special intermission conversation, acclaimed journalist Joy Reid will interview Workers Circle Community Catalyst Arianne Betancourt about her ongoing work to shine a light on human rights abuses in immigration detention, including the treatment her father, Justo Betancourt, experienced while detained at the Everglades detention facility known as Alligator Alcatraz.
Rounding out the cast are Dan Burke, Chris Coreschi, Amanda Cortinas, Bradley Dean, Malky Goldman, Adam Harrington, Matthew Nardozzi, Allison Posner, Jay Reidl and Abigail Solomon.
Adding even more spirit to the evening, acclaimed klezmer violinist Jake Shulman-Ment will bring the vibrant sound of live klezmer music to this special performance.
The film also gave audiences the unforgettable "Somewhere Out There," recorded by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram, which became a major hit and won two Grammy Awards — Song of the Year and Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television — while also earning Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.
The 1986 film was directed by Don Bluth from a screenplay by Judy Freudberg and Tony Geiss; based on a story by David Kirschner, Judy Freudberg and Tony Geiss; with original songs composed by Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann in collaboration with James Horner, who composed the original score. It was produced by Bluth, Gary Goldman and John Pomeroy and executive produced by Steven Spielberg. This special live table reading of An American Tail is directed by award-winning producer Steven Tabakin.
Four decades after its release, the film's themes of resilience, belonging and belief in a better future continue to resonate with viewers. At a moment when immigrant communities across the country face increased threats of detention, deportation and family separation, the hopes and struggles at the heart of 'An American Tail' remain deeply relevant.
The film's story reflects the same pursuit of freedom and opportunity that shaped the Workers Circle. Founded by Eastern European immigrants fleeing autocracy, the organization's founders came to America in search of a better life and arrived in a country facing its own moral reckoning. The Workers Circle was born from this contradiction and the belief that communities can come together to build a more just, equitable and inclusive democracy for all.
For over 125 years, the Worker Circle has galvanized people in the fight for democracy, equality and justice. Today, that work means ensuring that no community is left behind and every eligible voter has access to the information they need to participate in our democracy.
Those interested in purchasing tickets or learning more about the event should visit Workers Circle Virtual Benefit 2026: An American Tail. All funds raised will go towards the Workers Circle's efforts to expand access to voting information and registration ahead of the 2026 midterms, particularly in communities facing increasing barriers at the ballot box. Every dollar raised will help reach a voter — by postcard, text, phone or at their door.
Please contact [email protected] with any questions.
About the Workers Circle:
The Workers Circle is a 126-year-old national Jewish social justice organization founded by Eastern European immigrants who came to the United States fleeing autocracy and persecution and seeking democratic freedoms and economic opportunities. That history drives the organization's work for an inclusive democracy and human equality today. Through strategic and impactful social justice initiatives, vibrant Yiddish language classes and programs and interactive educational activities, the Workers Circle powers a growing multigenerational community of 250,000+ activists creating meaningful social change, building transformative coalitions and demanding a multiracial multicultural democracy for all.
Media Contact
The TASC Group, The Workers Circle, 1 6466391379, [email protected]
SOURCE The Workers Circle
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