Tales from Red Vienna

By David Grimm

Directed by Kate Whoriskey

Originally produced at Manhattan Theatre Club, New York, NY.

February 26, 2014 through April 20, 2014

(Photo of Nina Arianda.)

About the Premiere Production

Tony Award winner Nina Arianda (Venus in Fur, Midnight in Paris) returns to MTC as Heléna, a woman who has 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. David Grimm's witty and beautifully poetic new work also features Drama Desk Award winner and Tony nominee Kathleen Chalfant (Wit, Angels in America). Set as an enormous political tide is turning throughout Europe, Tales from Red Vienna explores the effects of war on women, the circumstances that control their lives and the dreams that set them free.

Artistic Statement

MTC is committed to introducing bold new voices to our audiences, and this season we are excited to collaborate for the first time with talented playwright David Grimm on the world premiere of Tales from Red Vienna. The work is a captivating tale of romance and heartbreak in post WWI Europe, and examines a struggle imbued with moral ambiguity and strength of character.

This production will reunite MTC with director Kate Whoriskey whose recent work on Ruined at MTC received enormous critical praise in both Chicago and New York. We are always striving to showcase innovative writers, and we believe that David Grimm’s provocative work, articulated through Whoriskey’s directorial lens, will offer a unique theatre-going experience for our New York City audience. We are also delighted to welcome back Nina Arianda, a favorite of the MTC community, who won a Tony award in 2012 for her remarkable work in Venus in Fur to play the lead role.

Grant Statement

When a playwright makes their MTC debut, we want to ensure them that their work is being respectfully supported by our Artistic staff and production team. First-time collaborations require additional time to generate trust and confidence in the artistic development process. MTC has compiled a terrific group of artists for this production, and they will need sufficient time to explore the dramatic text and character development. A grant from the Edgerton Foundation will allow MTC’s production team the essential additional rehearsal time to accomplish this play development, and will be particularly meaningful to Mr. Grimm as he makes his MTC debut.

Director: Kate Whoriskey

Set Design: John Lee Beatty

Lighting Design: Peter Kaczorowski

Sound Design: Rob Milburn & Michael Bodeen

Costume Design: Anita Yavich

Fight Director: Thomas Schall

Cast: Nina Arianda, Kathleen Chalfant

Additional Funders: Lead support for Tales from Red Vienna provided by Rosa and Robert Gellert.

News

Nina Arianda on Chilling with Al Pacino & Getting Steamy with Michael Esper in Tales From Red Vienna

Broadway.com, March 31, 2014