Adriane Lenox to Star in Lynn Nottage's Ruined at MTC

Adriane Lenox has signed on to star in the world premiere production of Lynn Nottage's Ruined at Manhattan Theatre Club's Stage I at New York City Center. The play will begin previews on January 21, 2009, and open on February 10, directed by Kate Whoriskey. A co-production with the Goodman Theatre, Ruined will open in Chicago on November 17 before its off-Broadway run.

Set in a small mining town in Democratic Republic of Congo, Ruined follows Mama Nadi Lenox, a shrewd businesswoman in a land torn apart by civil war. But is she protecting or profiting by the women she shelters? How far will she go to survive? Can a price be placed on a human life? Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

Lenox previously appeared in MTC's world premiere production of Doubt, which subsequently transferred to Broadway and garnered Lenox the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play. Most recently she starred at Matron Mama Morton in Chicago. Other Broadway credits include Ain't Misbehavin', Dreamgirls, Kiss Me Kate, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Caroline or Change. Lenox received the Obie and Audelco awards for her performance in Dinah Was... Other off-Broadway and regional credits include Cavedweller, Miss Evers Boys, Spunk, The America Play, Blithe Spirit and The Color Purple.