The drama by Andrew Rosendorf opens Florida Stage's 24th season. Producing artistic director Louis Tyrrell directs. Cane is the first in a collection of plays being commissioned by Florida Stage to explore "issues central to the state of Florida." The play series is to be known as The Florida Cycle.

According to Florida Stage notes, "This is a deeply human and riveting new play — with some extraordinary special effects — that looks at how it is possible that one of the wettest states in the nation has become so dry."

Opening night is Oct. 29. Performances continue to Nov. 28.

Here's how Cane is billed: "Set in 'the Glades' of South Florida, Cane begins in 1928, the year of the great Okeechobee hurricane. A farmer is losing his land to rising waters and a young black woman may become the unwitting mother to the future. Fast forward to present day and the same area is just days away from having no water at all. The past and the present are deeply connected in this story of betrayal and bloodshed, water and wind, family and fortune."

Rosendorf began his career as an intern at Florida Stage and has returned in 2008 to be the company’s Playwright-in-Residence. His other work includes Brilliant Corners (NNPN National Showcase 2009), The Kid (Weissberger Award nominee 2009), Good Night & God Bless or The Lone Ranger Rides Again (Florida Stage 1st Stage New Works Festival 2009) and Orlah (Heideman Award Finalist 2010). He holds a BA from the College of William and Mary and an MFA from the New School of Drama. The cast includes Dan Leonard (Jacob Gold/Boots), Trenell Mooring (Harriet/Zora), David Nail (Noah Brooks/Isaac Brooks), Julie Rowe (Ruthie Wilson/Barbara Wilson) and Gregg Weiner (Eddie Wilson/"Junior" Wilson).

The production team includes Suzanne Clement Jones (lighting designer), Richard Crowell (scenic design), Erin Amico (costume design), Matt Kelly (sound design).

For more information, call (561) 585-3433 or (800) 514-3837 (outside of Palm Beach County) or visit www.floridastage.org.