Jesse Eisenberg Reveals New Musical in the Works

Rattlestick Playwrights Theater presents the world premiere of Asuncion, a new play by Academy Award-nominee (The Social Network) Jesse Eisenberg. In a recent interview with the New York Post, Eisenberg chatted about his reasons for writing the play. He revealed: "One of the reasons I wanted to write this was because I wanted to explore part of myself that's underdeveloped. The character in the play knows a lot about politics and history and he's read a lot, but he has no life experience. The play explores that disconnect."

He also chatted about his theatrical past and revealed that he has a new musical in the works. Eisenberg continued, "I grew up on musical theater, so more than anything, that's in my blood. Any time I sit down to write songs, even if it's grunge rock, it comes out as follies."

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The production will be presented at The Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) with performances beginning on October 12. Opening Night is set for October 27. The production is scheduled to run through November 27. Kip Fagan directs.

The cast includes Mr. Eisenberg, Remy Auberjonois (The Country Girl, Frost/Nixon), Justin Bartha (Lend Me A Tenor, The Hangover 1&2) and Camille Mana (Smart People, "One on One"), making her Off-Broadway debut in the title role.

In Asuncion, Edgar and Vinny are not racist. In fact, Edgar maintains a blog condemning American imperialism and Vinny is three-quarters into a PhD in Black Studies. When a young Filipina woman named Asuncion becomes their new roommate, the pair have a perfect opportunity to demonstrate how open minded they truly are. This hilarious and heartbreaking new play explores the complicated ways we exploit culture and politics for our own needs.

The performance schedule is: Tuesday - Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets may be purchased by calling Ovation Tix at 212-352-3101 , or online at Rattlestick.org, or in person at The Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) box office. Box office hours are Tuesday-Friday from 4pm to 8pm, Saturday from 4pm to 8pm, and Sunday from 1pm to 3pm.

For more information, visit www.rattlestick.org.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos