The hope theatre [sic], a new production company, makes its inauguration with a Mint Space staging of one of William Shakespeare's so-called "lost plays," Edward III on March 28. Formed by the siblings McAllister — Kelly, Jerry and Heather Anne — Edward III will run at the Mint through April 14.

As reported earlier, Edward III is described in production notes as the first staging of the play in New York City. Edward III involves itself with the beginning of the Hundred Years' War and is said to be less the story of the "man who would be King, but rather the King who would be a man." While the origin and authorship of the work have been questioned for generations, historians have recently come to accept the piece as part of the Bard's canon.

All three McAllisters act. Two of them, Heather and Kelly, do double duty in the hope theatre production. They serve as co-directors and co producers, but also onstage as Lady Lorraine and Edward III respectively. Also featured in the cast are Jessica Colley (Countess Salisbury), Jamison Driskill (Prince Edward), John Margliano (King David of Scotland), John P.F. Moore (Prince Charles), Stacey Plaskett (Queen Phillippa), Matthew Rankin ((Prince Philip), Emory Rose (King John of France) and Sara Thigpen (Lady Derby).

"We chose this play our first hope theatre production because it represents our mission for the company on many levels," explained Heather Anne McAllister. "We are striving to present innovative, fresh approaches to the classics and [we] also want to develop new works. Edward is certainly a bit of both—a classic that is new."

Tickets for Edward III are $15. The Mint Space is located at 311 W. 43 St., Fifth Floor. The box office number is (212) 971-4739. —By Murdoch McBride