MANIPULATION Begins Previews 5/14; Tickets Now On Sale

MANIPULATION, a world-premiere play by Victoria E. Calderon about one woman's struggle for freedom and self-discovery, is set to begin Off-Broadway previews May 14 prior to its official press opening June 16 at Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) in Manhattan. Marilyn Fried directs.

In MANIPULATION, CrisTina Outwardly appears to have everything she can desire, however, she cannot enjoy her life. Her husband, Mauricio, torments her with flagrant displays of infidelity while her mother, Dona Beatriz, encourages her to have an affair with Luis. When Cristina turns to a psychoanalyst for help, he proceeds to take advantage of her. With every attempt to find herself, Cristina is manipulated back into submission until she finds a way to cut the ties that bind her to her previous existence.

The ensemble of MANIPULATION features Robert Bogue ("Guiding Light,"
"Oz"); Mark Ethan; Gabriel Furman; Jeremy Stiles Holm (Mint Theatre's
WIFE TO James Whelan); Mihaela Mihut ("Perkins' 14," National Theatre
of Romania's FOOL FOR LOVE); Robert Mobley (SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER); and
Saundra Santiago ("The Sopranos," "Miami Vice," NINE on Broadway with
Antonio Banderas).

MANIPULATION features scenic design by Bill Stabile (TORCH SONG
TRILOGY, Drama Desk nominee for SPOOKHOUSE, SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER);
lighting design by Kirk Bookman (THE SUNSHINE BOYS, THE GIN GAME);
costume design by Alejo Vietti (SECRETS OF THE TRADE); sound design by
Jeremy Lee; and technical supervision by Jay Janicki (FELA!).

Mexican-born playwright Victoria E. Calderon began her writing career
as a journalist. "El Heraldo de Mexico" published a series of her
essays. Additionally she was a columnist and director of the social
and cultural section at "El Sol de Mexico." MANIPULATION marks her
American premiere.

Director Marilyn Fried has traveled extensively throughout Europe
conducting acting workshops. Some of the actors she has worked with
have been nominated for Academy Awards and Golden Globes and others
have been nominated for and awarded Emmys and Tonys. Her credits
include "Reds," "Baby Boom," "Something's Gotta Give," The Godfather
I, II & III, "First Wives Club," "Prizzi's Honor," "Michael Clayton"
and "Silence of the Lambs." She currently has two films, which she
will direct, in development, one of which will be shot in Romania.
Off-Broadway, she recently directed Tennessee Williams' SUDDENLY LAST
SUMMER with Kathryn Luce and Joan Copeland. She became a member of The
Actors Studio under the leadership of Lee Strasberg.

Victoria E. Calderon's MANIPULATION begins its open-ended Off-Broadway
run on May 14, with an official press opening set for June 16 at
Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street). Performances run
Tuesdays-Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm; Sundays at 3pm and
7pm Tickets are $68.50. For tickets, visit Telecharge.com or call
212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250. Tickets may also be purchased at the
Cherry Lane box office: Tuesdays-Fridays, 4-8 pm; Saturdays, 12-8 pm;
and Sundays, 1-7 pm.

For more information, visit www.manipulationtheplay.com