The romantic two-hander continues through Aug. 23.
Stiles has performed onstage in Oleanna, Persephone and Twelfth Night and on screen in "Ten Things I Hate About You," "Mona Lisa Smile" and "Dexter." Wirt's stage credits include Much Ado About Nothing, All's Well That Ends Well and Troilus and Cressida. He was also seen in the film "Billy Bates."
Jennifer DeLia directs the production.
"When Bruce (James Wirt) and Sue (Julia Stiles) meet four weeks after an uncharacteristic one-night-stand, Sue has this to say to him: one, I had a great time with you that night and two, let's never see each other again," press notes state. "Thus begins a 4,000 mile journey well beyond the confines of their carefully structured worlds. Bruce is fueled by an overwhelming but undefined compulsion to join her in Phoenix. Sue is reluctantly charmed by his persistence, but steadfast in her resolve to keep him at bay. Both are forced to consider a whole new world of possibility, though not one free of difficulty and loss."
Phoenix features scenic design by Caite Hevner Kemp, costume design by Amit Gajwani, lighting design by Rick Carmona, sound design by Janie Bullard and scenic art by Burton Machen. Brierpatch Productions is the general manager.
A film adaptation of Phoenix, directed by Amy Redford, is currently in development.
The play is presented by Julie Pacino, Poverty Row Entertainment, Rian Patrick Durham and Rattlestick Playwrights Theater, by special arrangement with The Cherry Lane Theatre.
A limited number of $20 tickets are available to each performance.
The Cherry Lane Theatre is located at 38 Commerce Street. Visit phoenixtheplay.com for more information.