Manhattan Repertory Theatre Presents PLACEBOS DRESS FOR COMFORT 8/14-19

Kimberly Shelby-Szyszko's "Placebos Dress For Comfort," a tragic one-act about a bikini, an alien, and the dangers faced by deceptively liberated couples on vacation, will have its world premiere as part of Manhattan Repertory Theatre's Summerfest, with performances on Saturday August 14 at 7pm, Sunday August 15 at 6pm, and Thursday August 19 at 7pm. Manhattan Repertory Theatre is located at 303 W. 42nd Street, 3rd floor, NYC. Tickets are $20, and reservations can be made by calling 646.329.6588.

"Placebos Dress For Comfort" explores social constructs of gender through the absurd experiences of its protagonist Devin, as she rejects the gift of a skimpy bikini from boyfriend Ungar and is attacked by Reva, a woman claiming to be an alien, who is also doing role-playing research to spice up her own relationship. Reva attacks Devin for treason, as well as for shopping at Bergdorf's. By the end of the play, the distinctions between genders, opposing activists, and even species, become blurred.

"Placebos Dress for Comfort" is directed by Joel Bassin. Maryan Newbury is Co-Director. Costume Design is by Lui Konno. Ashley Nelson is Stage Manager. Each of the three roles is double-cast with a man and a woman. Devin is performed by Rebecca Crigler and James Manzello. Ungar is performed by Yakub Kataev and Cat Cabral. Reva is performed by Jessica Lamdon and Drew Mendoza. The producing companies are Manhattan Repertory Theatre and John Morgan's Plight Theatre Project. For additional information, visit manhattanrep.com.