The Manhattan Class Company, the Play Company and the Long Wharf Theatre present the world premiere of Leslie Ayvazian's High Dive, with previews beginning Feb. 1 at MCC. The one-woman comedy opens Feb. 26. The show was originally scheduled to run through March 4 but has now been extended through March 25, MCC says, due to strong ticket sales.

Described as a "75-minute romp through her hard-to-believe life," High Dive is written and performed by Ayvazian. Director David Warren (Holiday at Circle in the Square, Roundabout's Summer and Smoke) helms this comedy about "family, fiascos and the journeys we don't quite plan for."

As reported, Ayvazian is recognizable for her recurring role on NBC's "Law and Order: SVU" (she plays Judge Valdera). Her writing credits include Nine Armenians (MTC) as well as Plan Day, Deaf Day, Twenty Four Years and Footlights.

The creative team comprises set designer Neil Patel, lighting designer Brian MacDevitt, sound designer Robert Murphy and costume consultant Kristin Cahill.

This joint production marks the inaugural staging of the Play Company. According to production notes, the new not-for-profit, established in 1998 by Kate Locwald, Jack Temchin and the late director Mike Ockrent is aiming to present "an international program of productions, readings and special events." Long Wharf staged two developmental workshops of the piece, first as part of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas last June and again in the fall.

All seats are $20 before March 1, when they go to $25. To order tickets call the MCC box office at (212) 727-7765. Curtain is 8 PM but MCC suggests arriving at 7:30, 1/2 hour early, "due to the nature of the show."

—By Murdoch McBride