'O.C.' Star Wilde Set for Off-Bway Play Beauty on the Vine

Olivia Wilde is set to play the lead role(s) of "Lauren/L2/L3" in the world premiere production of Beauty On The Vine, described as "a new play for the Britney-Lohan Generation," by Zak Berkman.  The Epic Theatre Center production, directed by David Schweizer, begins performances on Monday, April 23, 2007 at the Clurman Theatre on Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street) and runs through Sunday, June 3, 2007.  Opening night is Wednesday, May 2, 2007.

"From mixed-race identities to extreme plastic surgery, Beauty On The Vine is a romantic fable about the power of the human face in Lindsay Lohan America.  When a young female star of right-wing radio is brutally murdered, her husband and father investigate the reasons behind the violence.  They discover a world where young women transform themselves to look like their idols and mothers lose their daughters to the illusion of popularity and power.  Beauty On The Vine is a journey through the looking glass into a disturbing Wonderland where appearances are always deceiving," state press materials.

Wilde can currently be seen starring in NBC's new drama, "The Black Donnellys." Wilde's television breakout role was in the Jerry Bruckheimer produced series, "Skin" for FOX, but is perhaps better known for her recurring role on FOX's "The O.C." Recent film credits include Alpha Dog, based on the true story of Jesse James Hollywood. Wilde, who plays the outlaw's love interest, stars opposite Emile Hirsch, Justin Timberlake and Bruce Willis.  She also starred opposite Josh Duhamel and Melissa George in John Stockwell's Turistas, among other films.

In conjunction with Beauty On The Vine, Epic has announced the launch of the "Beyond Beauty Initiative" which will bring together women of diverse backgrounds to share experiences and creatively explore how individual definitions of beauty, power and success impact society as a whole.  Through this effort, sponsored in part by Lancôme, Epic will offer young women (and men) an opportunity to interact with potential role models through in-school residencies, workshops and post-show discussions.  The honorary chair of the Beyond Beauty Initiative Committee is Cecilia Peck (co-director of Shut Up & Sing).

Wilde joins the previously announced cast for Beauty On The Vine, which features Helen Piper Coxe, Barbara Garrick, Howard Overshown, Jessica Richardson and Victor Slezak.

Scenic Design is by Narelle Sissons, Lighting Design is by Justin Townsend, Sound Design is by Ryan Rumery and Costume Design is by Gabrielle Berry.

Tickets are $40.00 and are available through TicketCentral (212) 279-4200 or www.ticketcentral.com.  The performance schedule varies. Visit www.epictheatrectr.org for more information.