ATC artistic director David Ira Goldstein, who directed Akhavan in the world premiere of The Kite Runner this past spring at San Jose Repertory Theatre, will helm the ATC production that will first play Tucson Sept. 10-Oct. 3, prior to its Phoenix bow from Oct. 8-25.

Matthew Spangler penned the stage adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's best-selling novel of the same name.

Akhavan (Arabian Nights at Berkeley Rep) portrays Amir, opposite Lowell Abellon (Evil Dead) as Hassan, as two boys growing up in the same household in Afghanistan. "When the innocence of the boys' childhood is confronted with the brutality of prejudice and hate," press notes state, "Amir begins a journey of self discovery and enlightenment. His journey will take him on a perilous journey to a new home in America. But a cry for help from on old friend calls him back to Afghanistan, where fate and global politics threaten his ability to make amends for his past."

The cast also features Thomas Fiscella, Gregor Paslawsky, James Saba, Rinabeth Apostol, Craig Piaget, Zarif Kabier Sadiqi, Lani Carissa Wong, Wahab Shayek, Remi Sandri, Korken Alexander and Tabla player Salar Nader.

The design team includes Vicki Smith (scenic design), Kish Finnegan (costume design), David Lee Cuthbert (lighting and projection design), Scott W. Edwards (sound design), Humaira Ghilzai (cultural consultant), Ken Merckx (fight director) and Lisa Anne Porter (dialect coach). Tucson performances take place at the Temple of Music and Art (330 S. Scott Avenue); call the box office at (520) 622-2823. Phoenix performances take place at the Herberger Theater Center (222 E. Monroe Street); call the box office at (602) 256-6995.

Visit www.arizonatheatre.org for more information.