Polly Lee Stars in Abingdon Theatre's FIX ME, JESUS, Beg. Tonight

Abingdon Theatre Company-which has produced 81 new American plays since 1993-launches its 21st Season with FIX ME, JESUS, a world-premiere play by Helen Sneed, with previews set to begin tonight, November 1, prior to an official press opening November 10 in Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex's Dorothy Streslin Theatre (312 West 36th Street). Performances run through November 24. Sam Pinkleton (THE LYONS, Associate Director; Mr. Burns, Choreographer) to direct.

In FIX ME, JESUS, Annabell Armstrong, a rising star in the Texas Democratic Party, frantically searches for the perfect dress at Neiman Marcus in Dallas. Trapped in the Reagan-era 1980s, her career, love life, finances, and family relations are a train wreck. As characters from her past invade the dressing room, Annabell must choose between independence and her lifelong fear of her own power.

The cast features Polly Lee, previously seen at Abingdon in HOW I FELL IN LOVE, as Annabell. Joining Ms. Lee in the ensemble are Kate Froemmling, Lori Gardner (BLAME IT ON BECKETT, THE DEEP THROAT SEX SCANDAL), Lisa McMillan, Lee Roy Rogers (TRIBES, La Jolla Playhouse) and Mitch Tebo (THE GREAT SOCIETY).

The creative team includes Christopher Ford and Dakota Rose (co-set and costume designers); Vadim Ledvin (lighting designer); Margaret Pine (composer and sound designer). Production Stage Manager is Deidre Works.

Playwright Helen Sneed has worked extensively in presidential and statewide elections as a political strategist for Democratic candidates. She began her career in theatre as Director of Professional Rights at Dramatists Play Service. Subsequently, she served as Senior Vice President of Music Theatre International; Executive and Artistic Director of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre; and Director, Special Projects, of Walt Disney Theatricals. A member of the League of Professional Theatre Women and the Dramatists Guild, her writing credits include SALLY BLANE: THE WORLD'S GREATEST GIRL DETECTIVE. Theater Magazine named Ms. Sneed one of the national leaders who "will usher the American theatre into the new century."

Sam Pinkleton is a New York City-based director and choreographer, currently represented Off-Broadway with choreography for NATASHA, PIERRE, AND THE GREAT COMET OF 1812 (Kazino), BUYER AND CELLAR (Barrow
Street Theatre/Rattlestick), and Mr. Burns (Playwrights Horizons) and David Adjmi's MARIE ANTOINETTE (Soho Rep). As a director, he has developed new work at The Vineyard Theatre, Ars Nova, Joe's Pub, The
O'Neill, City Theatre, ASCAP, The York, Rattlestick Playwrights Theatre, and The New Museum. On Broadway, Mr. Pinkleton was Associate Director for Nicky Silver's THE LYONS, starring Linda Lavin. Other choreography credits include SPRING AWAKENING (Olney Theatre), LOVE MACHINE (Incubator), and THE MATERIAL WORLD (Dixon Place). He is co-director of The Dance Cartel's long-running ONTHEFLOOR at the Ace Hotel and a company member of Witness Relocation.

Throughout the current and upcoming year, Abingdon Theatre Company celebrates its 21st Season of producing new American plays with Mainstage productions, readings, educational initiatives, and special events, including its annual gala on Monday, October 7 and more to be announced.

As part of its 2013-14 Season, Abingdon offers PAGE2STAGE, its free Monday night reading series, and THE SUNDAY SERIES, evenings featuring the newest work from up-and-coming and established performers. The company recently launched its second year of POP UP PLAYHOUSE, a series of free performances for families and children of all ages, with a sold-out run of James Armstrong's ALICE IN WONDERLAND, directed by Kim T. Sharp.

Next spring, Abingdon will present the World Premiere of Brian Richard Mori's HELLMAN V. McCARTHY in its June Havoc Theatre. FIX ME, JESUS is an approved Equity showcase.

Performances of FIX ME, JESUS run November 1-24: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7pm; Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm; and Sundays at 2pm (with the following exception: Sunday, November 10 at 5pm) at Abingdon Theatre Company's Dorothy Strelsin Theatre (312 West 36th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues). Tickets are $25. For tickets, call 866-811-4111 or visit www.abingdontheatre.org.

Follow Abingdon on Twitter @abingdontheatre, Facebook at www.facebook.com/abingdontheatre, and Tumblr at www.abingdonnyc.tumblr.com.

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