Quills, Doug Wright's Obie-winning theatrical exploration of the last days of the Marquis de Sade, will open at A Contemporary Theatre's Allen Theatre in Seattle Sept. 24, following previews begining Sept. 18. The show continues through Oct. 18.

ACT's staging, directed by Jeff Steitzer, features Rocco Sisto, recreating his performance as the Marquis de Sade, with David Pichette, Sean G. Griffen, Lori Larsen, R. Hamilton Wright and Kara Zediker rounding out the cast. Sisto originated the role in the New York Theatre Workshop's Quills, snagging an Obie and a Drama League Award.

The play, which received an Obie Award for Outstanding Achievement in Playwriting in 1996 and the Kesselring Award for Best New American Play, shows the measures to which asylum officials go to thwart the spread of the notorious Marquis' scandalous ideas and writings.

Set design is by James Youmans, costumes by Andrew Yelusich, lighting by Anne Miletello, with music and sound by John Gromada.

Tickets are $16.50-$35. Call (206) 292-7676 for information. -- By Ken Jones