Before they brought their farcical chops to Moliere's Scapin Off Broadway (not last season's Irwin/O'Donnell version, the 1993 Classic Stage Company version), Andrei Belgrader and Shelley Berc adapted another comic piece, "Le Neveu de Rameau" (Rameau's Nephew). Denis Diderot's novel follows a debate between a philosophy professor and the rogue nephew of French composer Jean-Phillipe Rameau. Topics covered include individuality vs. social responsibility and the role of art in society.

First staged at CSC in 1988, this adaptation of Rameau's Nephew now comes to the Portland Stage Company in Portland, ME, Nov. 2-23, opening Nov. 6. Kirk Jackson, who's worked in NYC at the Cucaracha Theatre and NY Theatre Workshop, directs.

Starring in the show are Ray Bokhour and Buzz Bovshow, the latter a veteran of NY's En Garde Arts, Philadelphia's Wilma Theatre and CT's Yale Rep.

While adapter Belgrader comes from the directing side of theatre, colleague Berc is a playwright. The former has worked at Yale Rep, Chicago's Goodman and MA's American Repertory Theatre. The latter's plays include Dual Heads and Shooting Shiva.

Designing Rameau's Nephew will be Portland Stage's two artistic directors, Anita Stewart (sets, costumes) and Chris Akerlind (lighting). For tickets and information on Rameau's Nephew call (207) 774 0465.

--By David Lefkowitz