Julia Stiles and James Wirt Set to Lead PHOENIX at Cherry Lane Theatre; Opens 8/7

Julie Pacino, Poverty Row Entertainment, Rian Patrick Durham and Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, by special arrangement with The Cherry Lane Theatre, just announced that Emmy Award and Golden Globe nominee Julia Stiles ("Dexter") will return to the New York stage opposite James Wirt in a fresh take on Scott Organ's play PHOENIX. Directed by Jennifer DeLia, PHOENIX begins performances at the Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) Monday, July 28, and opens Thursday, August 7. PHOENIX will play a limited engagement through Saturday, August 23. The design team for PHOENIX will be announced shortly.

Stiles, known for 10 Things I Hate About You, the Bourne series with Matt Damon, and David Mamet's Oleanna on Broadway, will be joined by James Wirt, who also stars in DeLia's directorial debut feature film Billy Bates, due out in theaters in November. Stiles and Wirt will co-star with Lily Rabe, Michael Pitt, Billy Magnussen and Louisa Krause in Julie Pacino and Jennifer DeLia's upcoming film The First. A film adaptation of PHOENIX, under the direction of Amy Redford is currently development.

When Bruce (James Wirt) and Sue (Julia Stiles) meet four weeks after an uncharacteristic one-night-stand, Sue has this to say to him: one, I had a great time with you that night and two, let's never see each other again. Thus begins a 4,000 mile journey well beyond the confines of their carefully structured worlds. Bruce is fueled by an overwhelming but undefined compulsion to join her in Phoenix. Sue is reluctantly charmed by his persistence, but steadfast in her resolve to keep him at bay. Both are forced to consider a whole new world of possibility, though not one free of difficulty and loss. PHOENIX is a one-act dark romantic comedy.

For tickets, visit the Cherry Lane box office at 38 Commerce Street, or order through OvationTix (212-352-3101 or www.phoenixtheplay.com). Ticket prices range from $55-$65. There will be a limited number of $25 general rush tickets available at the Cherry Lane box office on the day of performances (subject to availability). Special student pricing available through OvationTix using code PSTUD20. PHOENIX plays Monday through Saturday at 8pm, with matinees Saturday at 3pm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PHOENIX VISIT: www.phoenixtheplay.com

Photo Credit: Harry Fellows