Julia Stiles. There’s a name you haven’t heard in a while. Remember when she broke out as the meanest girl in school who managed to steal Heath Ledger’s heart in 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU? Then she did some romantic comedies, the BOURNE movies and had a recurring role on Dexter.
Along with her movie roles Stiles has also had a couple of flings with theatre and now she is set to return to the New York stage starring Off Broadway in director Jennifer DeLia‘s production of Scott Organ‘s dark romantic comedy, Phoenix. Stiles was last on stage in 2009 in Oleanna; a role which she also played on the London stage in 2004 alongside Aaron Eckhart.
Here’s the intriguing synopsis for Phoenix:
When Bruce and Sue 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. A dramatic comedy about courage.
The play must be pretty good because a feature film is also in the works. Due to star Constance Zimmer (Entourage, The Newsroom), Justin Bartha (THE HANGOVER) and Paul Urcioli (THE WOLF OF WALL STREET) it will be directed by SUNSHINE CLEARING actress Amy Redford. The movie isn’t due out until 2015 so until then it’s Stiles and the sirens of Off-Broadway.
Previews start July 28th and Phoenix officially opens at the Cherry Lane Theatre on August 7th. If you’re planning a quick visit THN makes an excellent flying companion.
Source: THR
