Aviva Jane Carlin is a special case of type-casting - the middle-aged, well-proportioned actress will play another nude model who discovers herself while bearing her flesh in the American premiere of Sitting Pretty. This time Carlin, who was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for her solo piece, Jodie's Body, plays an out-of-work spinster who bears all in the new Amy Rosenthal comedy, running Feb. 14-March 11 at the Hypotheical Theatre Company's space at the New 14th Street Y.

Sitting Pretty is the story of the middle-aged Nancy (Carlin), who, after being down-sized (despite being plus-sized herself), becomes an nude model for a figurative art class and discovers the beautiful, creative force within. She is contrasted with her sister Nina, whose superficial confidence disguises a bitter woman angry with her National Gallery art guide career and a love affair which ended painfully in her 20's.

The twenty-six-year-old Rosenthal is the daughter of British screen and television writer Jack Rosenthal and British actress Marueen Lipman. Her other plays include Lifeliness, Henna Night and Jerusalem Syndrome. Sitting Pretty premiered at the Chelsea Center in 1999.

Joining Carlin in the cast are Tanny McDonald, John O'Creagh, Mark Jacoby (Ragtime, The Phantom of the Opera), Lina Rosesller, Danna Chaifetz, Marilyn Bernard, Kate Konigisor, Charles Major and Nathan M. White.

The Sitting Pretty design team features Mark Symczak (sets), Rych Curtiss (lighting), Melissa Schlachtmeyer (costumes) and Tim Cramer (sound). Tickets are $40. The New 14th Street Y is located at 344 East 14th Street. For reservations, call (212) 206-1515. The Hypothetical Theatre Company is on the web at http://www.hypotheticaltheatre.org.

—By Christine Ehren