Julia Stiles to star in the off-Broadway play, 'Phoenix'

NEW YORK, June 8 (UPI) -- Julia Stiles and James Wirt are to co-star in this summer's off-Broadway production of Scott Organ's play, Phoenix, producers have announced.

Described as a "one-act, dark, romantic comedy," the show is to begin previews July 28 at Manhattan's Cherry Lane Theatre, ahead of a planned Aug. 7 opening. Directed by Jennifer DeLia, the limited engagement is to wrap Aug. 23.

"When Bruce and Sue meet four weeks after an uncharacteristic, one-night-stand, Sue has this to say to him: '1. I had a great time with you that night. And 2. Let's never see each other again,'" a synopsis said. "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."

Stiles' film credits include Silver Linings Playbook, 10 Things I Hate About You and the Bourne franchise with Matt Damon. She also appeared in David Mamet's Oleanna on Broadway and in the TV series, Dexter.

Wirt will be seen this fall in DeLia's feature film directorial debut, Billy Bates.

Stiles and Wirt will co-star with Lily Rabe, Michael Pitt, Billy Magnussen and Louisa Krause in DeLia's upcoming film, The First, as well.