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TRUE GENIUS
September 23 - October 7 at Altered Stages

"a rather enthralling and thrilling play... original and fascinating" -- Edinburgh Guide
"erases the fine line between genius and insanity... with a sardonic wit that keeps us laughing uncomfortably" -- LA Weekly
"4 Stars. Witty, subtle and entertaining, this is a very good piece of drama." --Three Weeks, Edinburgh

Small Pond Entertainment presents the New York Premiere of TRUE GENIUS by David Holstein (the hit comedy Porn and Happiness and contributor to Showtime’s series Weeds). Directed by Jill Sierchio, this critically acclaimed dark comedy which premiered at the 2005 Edinburgh Fringe Festival begins previews September 23rd at Altered Stages. Opening night is slated for Tuesday, September 25.

TRUE GENIUS tells the unfolding story of a boy genius named Scooter who also happens to be a pathological liar. As Scooter falls in love with another pathological liar, an eccentric psychologist pries into his past. Soon Scooter’s bizarre family history begins to unravel and he starts to question everything he believes is real. Is Scooter crazy? Or is his love life causing a breakthrough to his sanity? Is the girlfriend curing him? Or worse, is she not even there?

The productions stars Perry Tiberio, Nancy Evans, Regina Myers, Ken Scudder and Tyler S. Gulizio (a 13 year old actor who appeared on the third season of The Sopranos) with original music by Brandon Jay (composer for Showtime’s series Weeds) and production design by Graham T. Posner. It is produced by Michael Roderick, in association with Small Pond Entertainment.

David Holstein’s plays, which include Porn and Happiness, Love Is An Apartment in Brooklyn and True Genius, have been produced in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Edinburgh. He is the recipient of the 2004 T. Stephen May Scriptwriting Award, a frequent director and writer for 24 Hour Rush at The Elephant Theater in Hollywood and a columnist for CollegeHumor.com. David is the former artistic director of the Northwestern University Jewish Theater Ensemble and head writer for the 2005 WAA-MU show Waiting in the Wings. He is a graduate of Northwestern University and is currently the writers' assistant and contributor on Showtime's hit series Weeds.

TRUE GENIUS runs September 23 - October 7 at 8pm. (Please note: there are no shows October 1 & 2. Shows are at 2pm on September 30 and October 7.) Altered Stages is located at 212 W. 29th Street, between 7th and 8th Aves -- accessible from the 1/9 trains at 28th Street. Tickets are $20, available at TheaterMania.com or 866-811-4111.