Cherry Lane Studio Theatre Presents HOW TO BE A GOOD ITALIAN DAUGHTER, Previews 10/3

"HOW TO BE A GOOD ITALIAN DAUGHTER (In Spite of Myself)," a play written and performed by Antoinette Lavecchia, will be presented this fall Off-Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theatre's Studio Theatre (38 Commerce St.), with preview performances starting October 3 prior to a new official opening night set for Monday, October 12, 2009 - Columbus Day, a day of celebration for Italian-Americans.

HOW TO BE A GOOD ITALIAN DAUGHTER is being presented as an open-end Off-Broadway engagement.

Directed by Ted Sod, HOW TO BE A GOOD ITALIAN DAUGHTER is a funny and touching portrait of mothers and daughters, centering on the classic struggles between an immigrant Italian mother and her Americanized daughter, a hearty blend of humor, vivacity and family history -- Italian style. Columbus Day - when Italian-Americans celebrate their heritage - is nothing if not the ideal opening date for Ms. LaVecchia's play about her own, indelible Italian mother.

Most recently seen on the New York stage Off-Broadway last year in a highly praised performance opposite Daniel J. Travanti in A TOUCH OF THE POET, Ms. LaVecchia recently completed filming The David Dance.

An actress and writer, Ms. LaVecchia has appeared in HEARTBREAK HOUSE at Two River Theatre Co. and in the world premiere of MAX &THE TRUFFLE PIG, directed by Erica Gould at New York Musical Theater Festival (NYMF). She also appeared last season in an extended run of THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED at Portland Center Stage.

Her numerous NY appearances include at The Public Theatre in THE BOTTLE HOUSE, at Primary Stages in STRING OF PEARLS, and KIMBERLY AKIMBO at MTC. Outside New York she has performed at Hartford Stage, Williamstown Theatre Festival, ATC in San Francisco and the Wilma Theatre in Philadelphia. Film and TV credits include "The Sopranos," "Jesus' Son" and "Dirty Laundry."

HOW TO BE A GOOD ITALIAN DAUGHTER has scenic design by Michael V. Moore, costume design by Daniel James Cole, and lighting design by Traci Klainer.
The play is presented at the Cherry Lane Theatre by Jones Street Productions.

HOW TO BE A GOOD ITALIAN DAUGHTER performs Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18. Performance and ticket information by phone at 800-432-7250 or online at www.telecharge.com, or by visiting www.jonesstreetproductions.com.