MANIPULATION Begins Previews Tonight at Cherry Lane

MANIPULATION, a world-premiere play by Victoria E. Calderon about one woman's struggle for freedom and self-discovery, begins previews on June 21, prior to an official Off-Broadway press opening on June 28 at the Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street) in Manhattan. Will
Pomerantz directs.

Cristina seems to have it all - money, position, privilege. So why is she beginning to feel she has no control over her life, mind or body? Drawing on the best traditions of Latin American literature and its potent "magic realism," as well as a little-known Biblical tale, playwright Victoria E. Calderon conjures a provocative and unexpected world where the relationships we all cling to - mother and child, husband and wife - become a swirl of games, deception and surprise. Is
Cristina willing to fight for her authenticity and a real place in this world?

With a striking, expressionistic staging by director Will Pomerantz, MANIPULATION promises to be the premiere of a unique new playwriting voice.

Marina Squerciati, seen on Broadway in TO BE OR NOT TO BE and most recently Off-Broadway as Judy Holliday in THE Judy Holliday STORY, leads the cast as Cristina, the young wife betrayed by her unfaithful spouse. Robert Bogue, best known as detective A.C. Mallet on "Guiding
Light" for the past four years, portrays the philandering, powerful husband, Mauricio. Saundra Santiago, seen on Broadway in NINE and familiar to TV audiences as Jean and Joan Cusamano on HBO's "The Sopranos," portrays Cristina's mother and confidante, Dona Beatriz. Rounding out the cast are Gabriel Furman, Jeremy Stiles Holm (Mint Theatre's WIFE TO James Whelan), Brendan McMahon, and Rafi Silver (MASKED).

The production features scenic design by Bill Stabile; lighting design by Kirk Bookman; costume design by Alejo Vietti; sound design by Jeremy Lee; technical supervision by Jay Janicki; and fight direction by Rick Sordelet.

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.

Will Pomerantz has directed and developed new plays and musicals with such theatres as The Guthrie, American Repertory Theatre, Playwrights Horizons, The Public Theatre, Hartford Stage, NYTW, The Signature Theatre, Ensemble Studio Theater, Soho Rep, Culture Project, The
Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Studio Theatre, and Epic Theatre Ensemble. He has directed world premieres by such playwrights as John Guare, David Auburn, Neil LaBute, Craig Lucas, Kia Corthron, David Lindsay-Abaire, Stephen Belber, Noah Haidle, and Linda Cho. His recent
production of THE BLUE FLOWER for A.R.T. swept all the major awards in the Boston Area, winning both the Elliot Norton Award, as well as Independent Reviewers of New England Awards for Outstanding Production, Outstanding Design, and Best Musical of the Year. His
production of THE SHAPE OF THINGS was voted Outstanding Production of the Year in Washington, DC and received a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Performance. His production of DAI received a Drama Desk nomination and a Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo
Performance. Will Pomerantz was Director-In-Residence for Culture Project, Staff Repertory Director for The Acting Company, and is currently Associate Director of Artistic Development for Epic Theatre Ensemble.

Performances of MANIPULATION run June 21-August 21: Tuesdays-Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm; and Sundays at 3pm and 7pm (with the following exceptions: no performances on Sunday, June 26; added performance Wednesday, June 22 at 2pm; opening on Tuesday, June 28 at 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