Sean Penn, Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Matthew McConaughey and Morgan Freeman are among the star-studded cast set to hold a benefit table read of the 1982 coming-of-age teen classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The one-night-only fundraising livestream will take place August 20. Penn, who played Jeff Spicoli in the original film, along with Henry Golding and Shia LaBeouf, will also play unspecified parts during the unrehearsed table read. Ironically, Penn will not be reprising his role as iconic stoner surfer Spicoli for the read. Surprise cameos are also being planned for the virtual event.
Comedian Dane Cook will present the table read, which will also include introductions from Cameron Crowe, the film’s screenwriter, and director Amy Heckerling. Funds raised from the event will go towards both REFORM Alliance and Penn’s co-founded emergency relief nonprofit CORE.
“Sean brought magic to us on day one, and he is still bringing that magic to the world,” said Crowe. “We are so excited to be a part of this 2020 take on Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Thank you to this cast, and to Sean, for always honoring the best things in life, love, and creativity. It is, as a great man once said, totally awesome.”
“I’m always game for a giggle. So, to gather remotely for a night of laughs with so many talented folks while providing CORE with much-needed resources to continue our vital work, then consider us fully on board to play,” Penn added.
The livestream for the Fast Times at Ridgemont High table read will occur go live on August 20 at 9 p.m. EDT on the CORE Response Facebook and TikTok accounts.