Just in time for St. Patrick's Day it's...St. Nicholas!

Conor McPherson's dark look at a man's obsession with a beautiful young actress, St. Nicholas, opens Mar. 17 at NY's Primary Stages. In this one-person show directed by the author, the lovesick soul (a theatre critic!) follows the actress to London -- and to his own destruction.

Playing the doomed romeo is Scottish actor Brian Cox, a veteran of the National Theatre and RSC in London and featured actor in such films as The Boxer (as Emily Watson's dad) and Rob Roy. A two-time Olivier Award winner, Cox even played Dr. Hannibal Lecter before Anthony Hopkins did (in the film Manhunter).

Other plays by McPherson other works include The Lime Tree Bower and The Weir. St. Nicholas premiered at London's Bush Theatre.

St. Nicholas, which began previews Mar. 11 and runs to Apr. 5, features lighting design by Deborah Constantine. For tickets ($30-$35) and information on St. Nicholas at Primary Stages, 354 West 45th St., call (212) 333-4052.

-- By David Lefkowitz