A new play by Victoria E. Calderon Directed by Marilyn Fried Opens June 16 at Cherry Lane Theatre (38 Commerce Street)
Starring award-winning Romanian actress Mihaela Mihut with Robert Bogue, Mark Ethan, Gabriel Furman Jeremy Stiles Holm, Robert Mobley and Saundra Santiago
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 an ensemble cast featuring acclaimed Romanian actress Mihaela Mihut.
In MANIPULATION, Cristina (Mihaela Mihut) outwardly appears to have everything she can desire, however, she cannot enjoy her life. Her husband, Mauricio (Robert Bogue), torments her with flagrant displays of infidelity while her mother, Dona Beatriz (Saundra Santiago), encourages her to have an affair with Luis (Robert Mobley). When Cristina turns to a psychoanalyst (Jeremy Stiles Holmes) 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.
MIHAELA MIHUT is from Transilvania, Romania, where she received her BFA from the Academy of Theatre and Film in Bucharest. Her National Theatre Bucharest credits include FOOL FOR LOVE, ORPHEUS DESCENDING, and THE BALD SOPRANO for which she won a Best Actress Award. She
received her MFA from The Actors Studio Drama School and is a lifetime member of The Actors Studio. Her film credits include “Ben Again,” directed by Tony Giordano, and “Perkins’ 14,” directed by Craig
Singer.
Joining Ms. Mihut in the ensemble of MANIPULATION are Robert Bogue (“Guiding Light,” “Oz”); Mark Ethan; Gabriel Furman; Jeremy Stiles Holm (Mint Theatre’s WIFE TO JAMES WHELAN); 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 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
