Tales from Red Vienna: Nina Arianda to star

Tony Award winner Nina Arianda ('Venus in Fur') is to star in Manhattan Theatre Club's world premiere production of David Grimm's Tales from Red Vienna, directed by Kate Whoriskey, opening at NY City Center Stage I on 18 Mar 2014, following previews from 26 Feb 2014, and running through to 27 Apr 2014.

Additional casting will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tales from Red Vienna: Heléna (Nina Arianda) lost her husband in World War I, and with him, her financial security. Struggling to maintain her way of life, she becomes part of an illicit underworld. Heléna manages to separate her secret life from her public persona - that is until she crosses paths with a man who has the power to expose and ruin her.

Set as an enormous political tide is turning throughout Europe, David Grimm's new work explores the effects of war on women, the circumstances that control their lives and the dreams that set them free.

The creative team includes John Lee Beatty (scenic design), Anita Yavich (costume design), Peter Kaczorowski (lighting design), Rob Milburn &Michael Bodeen (sound design) and Thomas Schall (fight direction).

Bios

Nina Arianda (Heléna) won a 2012 Tony Award for her portayal of 'Vanda' in Manhattan Theatre Club's production of David Ives' 'Venus in Fur,' and was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance as 'Billie Dawn' in 'Born Yesterday.' Her film work includes "The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby," "Lucky Them," "Tower Heist," "Midnight in Paris" and "Win Win."

David Grimm (playwright) is currently writing the book for the Broadway musical 'Manhattan Madness,' with music by Harry Connick, Jr., to be directed by George C. Wolfe. His plays include: 'The Miracle at Naples' (Huntington; Best New Play IRNE Award); 'Steve & Idi' (Rattlestick); 'Chick' (Hartford Stage); 'Measure for Pleasure' (Public Theatre; Bug 'n Bub Award; GLAAD Award nomination); 'The Learned Ladies of Park Avenue' (Hartford Stage); 'Kit Marlowe' (Public Theatre; GLAAD Award nomination); 'Sheridan, or Schooled in Scandal' (La Jolla); 'Enough Rope' (Williamstown; which starred Elaine Stritch).

Kate Whoriskey (Directed), made her Broadway debut when she helmed the 2010 revival of 'The Miracle Worker.' Off-Broadway: 'How I Learned to Drive,' 'Inked Baby,' 'Ruined' (lucille Lortel nomination), 'Oroonoko' and 'Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine.'