HUMAN FRUIT BOWL Paints Portrait of Live Nude Modeling Off-Broadway, Beg. Tonight

After winning the FringeNYC Overall Excellence Award and Best Production at Prague Fringe Festival, HUMAN FRUIT BOWL makes the leap to Off-Broadway. This acclaimed portrait of live nude modeling is written by Andrea Kuchlewska, performed by Harmony Stempel, and directed by Jessi D. Hill. Presented by Baruch Performing Arts Center in association with terraNOVA Collective & soloNOVA Arts, performances of this limited engagement begin tonight, March 27 at the Rose Nagelberg Theater. Opening night is March 30.

On Tuesday, March 18 fine artists are invited to participate in a free "Drink & Draw" session with HUMAN FRUIT BOWL star Harmony Stemple at Mexican Radio (19 Cleveland Place, just south of Spring Street in SoHo). From 6pm - 8pm, the actress and model will pose for artists to sketch. A special happy hour menu of drinks and food will be available. For more info or to reserve a space, email humanfruitbowl@gmail.com.

Ever wonder what goes through the mind of a live nude model while she poses? Structured as a live fine art modeling session, HUMAN FRUIT BOWL attempts to answer that question while it delves into the mysterious death of Renee Monchaty, muse and model to legendary French painter Pierre Bonnard. Part story, part mystery, and part art history, it is a unique and compelling look at the complicated relationships between artists and their models.

Harmony Stempel is a Brooklyn based actor and solo performer who has performed to acclaim in NYC, Prague, Amsterdam and Hong Kong. Andrea Kuchlewska's plays have received awards from FringeNYC as well as the Prague and Amsterdam Fringes, and have played to sold-out audiences in NYC. Jessi D. Hill has directed for NY Theater Workshop, The Public, Women's Project, Primary Stages, New Group, Culture Project, New Dramatists, NY Stage & Film, Ensemble Studio Theatre, and others.

Over the past 11 years, terraNOVA has developed more than 90 plays through the Groundbreakers Playwrights Group. It has also given a platform to approximately 320 solo artists in the soloNOVA Arts program.

HUMAN FRUIT BOWL runs March 27 - April 11, Thursdays & Fridays at 8pm and Saturdays & Sundays at 3pm & 8pm with an added matinee on April 3 at 1pm. The Rose Nagelberg Theater at Baruch Performing Arts Center is located at 55 Lexington Ave. (enter E. 25th St. between Lexington & 3rd Aves.) Tickets are $25 ($12 for students & seniors), and can be purchased online at www.baruch.cuny.edu/bpac, by phone at 646-312-5073, or in person at the box office.