Who says romance is dead?

Julia Stiles and James Wirt play the mismatched couple at the centre of Scott Organ's dark comedy, which makes its off-Broadway debut this August. A fizzy two-hander which delves into the aftermath of a one-night stand, Phoenix first premiered at the 2010 Humana Festival, where it was praised for its "playfulness and intelligence" (Backstage.com). A film adaptation, directed by Sunshine Cleaning star Amy Redford is due for release in 2015. Helming this Cherry Lane Theatre production is Jennifer DeLia.

Lead Julia Stiles rose to prominence in 1999 in the teen film 10 Things I Hate About You, opposite Heath Ledger. Since then she's proved herself one of Hollywood's most interesting and adaptable actresses, turning in highly praised supporting roles in films as diverse as Silver Linings Playbook, Shakespearian-update O and the Bourne movie trilogy. Her last appearance on Broadway came in 2009, when she dazzled critics as Carol in David Mamet's Oleanna, a performance Ben Brantley of the New York Times described as "luminous". James Wirt's theater background lies in Shakespearean drama, starring in New York productions of Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing.

What is Phoenix about?

Bruce and Sue have a one night stand, and as far as Bruce is concerned, that's the end of it. Four weeks later though, Sue wants to meet. She has something to tell him and it's a revelation which sets the pair on course for a 4000 mile journey to Phoenix. It's a road trip full of awkward conversations, outrageous flirting and maybe just the beginnings of something lasting...