When John Kennedy Toole wrote his tragicomic novel "Confederacy of Dunces," there are two things he probably didn't count on happening. First is the fact that his novel was finally published in 1980 (thanks to help from Walker Percy) and received the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. The book has since sold more than 1.5 million copies in 18 languages. The second surprise would have been that Producer/ Screenwriter Scott Kramer and Director Steven Soderbergh adapted his literary creation into a screenplay, which is now, after many false starts, officially in production.

Tragically, because Toole took his life eleven years before "Confederacy" was published, he was never able to experience the amazing reception and success of his work. If he had lived, he might have had the opportunity to attend the Nantucket Film Festival's staged reading of the "Confederacy of Dunces" script. Held on June 21st, this high-anticipated, sold-out event was the Festival's first attempt at bringing such a star-studded consortium of actors together and allowing audience members to experience a cinematic "work-in-progress."

With names on the bill such as Will Ferrell, Anne Meara, Olympia Dukakis, and Paul Rudd, it's not surprising that the reading drew over 800 press people and festival-goers, many of whom stood for two hours in a line that snaked around Nantucket High. Once the doors of the auditorium opened and people were seated, the hush of the room was quickly broken by Ferrell's booming voice. Playing the role of Ignatius J. Reilly, the lead character in Toole's novel, Farrell appeared from the back of the room and proceeded toward the stage. With Reilly's signature green ear-flap cap propped on his head, Ferrell blew raspberries and playfully insulted the names of the featured actors as they were read aloud by a narrator. Garret Savage (TWELFTH NIGHT), who assumed the role of narrator, interjected with screen direction and character description as dictated by the script.

Although Ferrell's quirky verbal and physical antics clearly stole the show (just the sound of his voice makes one want to belly laugh), several other actors contributed their recognizable voices and acting talent to make it a thoroughly entertaining event. Anne Meara read the part of Mrs. Reilly, Ignatius Reilly's mother, while Rosie Perez took on the role of Darlene, the exotic dancer (a role that will be played by Drew Barrymore in the film version). Also filling out the cast were indie-film regulars Natasha Lyonne (of AMERICAN PIE and SLUMS OF BEVERLY HILLS fame), Alan Cumming (ANNIVERSARY PARTY), as well as NFF regular John Shea (SOUTHIE writer/director/actor), Kristen Johnston (THIRD ROCK FROM THE SUN), Jace Alexander, and several others. Some of the actors who participated in the reading, such as rapper/actor Mos Def (THE ITALIAN JOB), are directly attached to the film; others were invited purely because of their passion for the script.

According to NFF's Artistic Director Mystelle Brabbee, "Stripped of locations, costumes and special effects, it's clear that what remains at the core of a great film is the written word. The amazing ensemble that came together for the reading is a testament to the strength of those words and Steven Soderbergh's and Scott Kramer's brilliant screenplay. We were thrilled to have A CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES at Nantucket this year."

The film version of "Confederacy of Dunces" will be directed by 28 year-old David Gordon Green, known as an au courant film director in the indie world. Green's star has risen sharply over the past few years thanks to the success of his Sundance hit and directing debut GEORGE WASHINGTON and his recent ALL THE REAL GIRLS. As for the film's lead role, there was a rumor circulating at the festival that Phillip Seymour Hoffman will play Ignatius. According to other sources, Jack Black (SHALLOW HAL and ORANGE COUNTY) has also been considered for the part. When the film version of "Confederacy" was kicked around year ago, John Belushi and Chris Farley were once associated with the role.

According to a report in Variety, Steven Soderbergh will executive produce the film, along with Kramer, Flower Films (Drew Barrymore's production company) and Miramax. If the production manages to avoid any snags this go-around, look for the theatrical release of CONFEDERACY OF DUNCES next year.