Blame it on Beckett, directed by Jackob G. Hofmann, will kick off the company's 19th season Oct. 7, prior to its official opening Oct. 16. The play, running through Oct. 30, is set in the literary office of a regional theatre and "centers on an intern struggling to balance her artistic integrity against the demands of her personal and professional life."

In the new year, the season continues with Lost on the Natchez Trace by the company's artistic director Jan Buttram. Directed by Kate Bushmann, Natchez Trace runs Feb. 3-26, 2012, and tells the story of Malcolm, "a slave auctioneer in 1825 that falls from his mule and into a Mississippi swamp. Unable to walk, without food or water, strength fading, his apparent salvation arrives when Tom, a runaway slave appears. A desperate negotiation ensues as Tom represents Malcolm's only hope." In celebration of Black History Month, Lost on the Natchez Trace opens Feb. 12.

Abingdon's season concludes with Lifeline by Frank Tangredi. The play, directed by Jules Ochoa, tells the story of Pete, "a middle-aged man who is divorced and unemployed, with a habit of wanting to fix things, whether they be pipes or lives. Pete's current 'project' is his tenant Ken, a troubled - and possibly suicidal - young writer. Using poker and softball as bait, Pete tries to draw Ken out of his melancholy. But when an unwelcome visitor arrives, this blue-collar Good Samaritan discovers that some lives may not be so easy to fix." The production runs March 9-April 1 with an official opening March 18.

Abingdon Theatre Company's 2011-2012 season productions are Equity Approved Showcases. Abingdon has produced more than 60 new American plays in its 18-year history.

Abingdon Theatre Company is located at 312 West 36th Street. For more information and tickets, call (212) 868-2055 or visit www.abingdontheatre.org.