Broadway's Billy Porter is a featured player in the Long Wharf's world premiere of Steve Drukman's comedy, Going Native, playing Stage II Oct. 23-Nov. 24. Greg Leaming (An Infinite Ache, Syncopation) directs.

Porter starred as John in Saigon and had featured ensemble roles in Smokey Joe's Cafe and Five Guys Named Moe. The tenor, whose voice can be heard on his solo recording, Myths and Hymns and Dreamgirls in Concert, has been mentioned for the singing role of Audrey II in upcoming revival of Little Shop of Horrors,

A comic examination of New York subcultures, Going Native is about Paul, a gay, Jewish neurotic who falls in love with Nick, a Brooklyner still living in the closet, and the myriad troubles their relationship causes. A journalist and theatre scholar and historian, Drukman is also the author of Bullet Round.

David Adkins stars as Paul with Jeremy Davidson (Epic Proportions) as Nick. Also in the cast are Jerry Adler ("The Sopranos") as Jimmy, Keith Nobbs (Four, Free to Be You and Me) as Evan and Jessica Walter as Mother.

Single tickets to Long Wharf productions are $47.50-$15. For reservations and information, call (203) 787-4282. The Long Wharf Theatre is on the web at http://www.longwharf.org — By Christine Ehren