Moira K. Costigan directs the production at the Jewel Box Theatre on West 36th Street in Manhattan. The play is presented by Small Pond Entertainment.

Props concerns Andrew, "a sensitive young man who has recently experienced a brutal break-up with his controlling girlfriend," according to production notes. "As a result, he immerses himself in his work as a properties artist with alarming ferocity, setting about creating his latest obsession; fashioning the ideal woman. Eventually he succeeds in bringing his mannequin 'to life' and falls in love with her. Horrified, his friends try to stop him with warnings about his fragile stability. Adding to Andrew's confusion, his former girlfriend re-appears, now demanding that they get back together."

When he resists, "she combats his indifference with a bizarre revelation intended not only to destroy Andrew's esteem for her new rival but Andrew as well in the process. Suddenly the boundary between what is real and what is not becomes far too obscure for comfort…for both Andrew and the audience."

Playwright Michael Roderick is also a producer, casting director and teacher. He founded Small Pond Entertainment four years ago "in an effort to encourage actors, playwrights, directors, filmmakers and designers who want to express their art in original productions."

Among his 15 plays, The Disruptive Delusions of Donald, The Last Straw and Props have been produced in New York. The cast of Props features Ben Sumrall, Jennifer Boehm, Corey Ann Haydu, Amy Lerner and Leigh Poulos. Original music is by William Demaniow.

Props opens July 17 at 6:15 PM at The Jewel Box Theatre, 312 W. 36th Street, Second Floor, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. After the opening performance, the festival schedule is July 22 at 11 AM, July 25 at 6:15 PM, July 27 at 8:30 PM, Aug. 4 at 6:15 PM and Aug. 5 at 1:15 PM.

General admission is $18. Student tickets are $15. For reservations call (212) 868-4444 or go to smarttix.com.