Gus Kaikkonen (I Have Been Here Before, Heartbreak House) directs the New York premiere of the 1672 work slated to open Nov. 20 for a run through Dec. 18 at Theatre 80.

Filled with "women who outpace men in wit and spunk, and children who outmaneuver their elders," according to a release, Wycherley's satire also adds "fancy dancing, swordplay, and a healthy sprinkling of ribaldry for the full Restoration recipe."

The cast of The Gentleman Dancing-Master features Pearl Resident Acting Company members Marsha Stephanie Blake, Robin Leslie Brown, Dan Daily, and Sean McNall as well as guest performers Ryland Blackinton, Rachel Botchan, Bradford Cover, John Livingstone Rolle, Heather Girardi and Michele Vazquez.

The design team include Susan Zeeman Rogers (set), Stephen Petrilli (lighting), Devon Painter (costumes) and Jane Shaw (sound) — who also provides original music.

The new (entirely pre-1900) season at Pearl then continues with Hecuba (Jan. 5-Feb. 12, 2006), Measure For Measure (Feb. 23-April 9, 2006) and Mary Stuart (April 20-May 21, 2006). The Pearl Theatre Company mission is to present works from the classic repertory. Tickets to The Gentleman Dancing-Master at The Pearl, performing at Theatre 80, 80 St. Marks Place (at First Ave.), are available by calling the box office at (212) 598-9802. For more information, visit www.pearltheatre.org.