The daughters of two well-known thespians, Tessa Auberjonois (daughter of René) and Elisabeth Waterston, (daughter of "Law & Order" star, Sam) will inaugurate the Diane Von Furstenberg Studio, The Theater, in downtown Manhattan June 20-30. The two star in Noel Coward's The Vortex which began performances at the new venue June 15.

The Vortex, being presented by the Innocent Theatre, tells the story of a young man longing for the approval and affection of his mother and how far he will venture to get it. The play was almost banned for its racy nature when it originally appeared on the London stage in 1924 (with Coward in the lead).

Trip Cullman directs this production which also features Louis Cenceloni, Kathryn Gracey, James Kaliardos, Nick Merritt, Dean Nolen, Alexandra Oliver and Andrew Shulman. Set design for The Vortex is by painter Ruben Toledo and costume design by fashion designer Isabel Toledo.

Reservations for The Vortex, which plays at Diane Von Furstenberg Studio, The Theater, at 383 West 12th Street, can made arranged by calling (212) 971-1026.

— by Ernio Hernandez