The Los Angeles production is staged by Jonathan Barlow Lee, who was the stage manager for the Broadway run of Children of a Lesser God. Performances continue through Oct. 11 with an official opening set for Sept. 13. Leading the cast are Shoshannah Stern (Open Window, "Jericho," "Weeds") as Sarah Norman and Matthew Jaeger ("The Diary") as James Leeds with Brian M. Cole, Rebecca Ann Johnson, Marilyn McIntyre, Tami Lee Santimyer and Time Winters.

The acclaimed play "focuses on the conflicted professional and romantic relationship between speech teacher James Leeds and his profoundly deaf student, Sarah Norman. Sarah will have none of his instruction but in the course of their sparring, the two of them develop a chemistry," according to production notes.

The Deaf West production features scenic design by John Iacovelli, costume design by Dianne K. Graebner, lighting design by Leigh Allen and projection and sound design by Benjamin H. Kamine.

Children of a Lesser God premiered on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre in 1980 starring Phyliss Frelich (for whom the play was authored) and John Rubenstein, who both earned Tony Awards for their performances. The 1986 film adaptation starred Marlee Matlin, who earned an Oscar for her performance opposite William Hurt.

Mark Medoff was nominated for an Academy Award for adapting Children of a Lesser God for the screen. His plays also include Prymate; When You Comin' Back, Red Ryder?; The Hands of Its Enemy; and The Wager. His screenwriting credits include "Clara's Heart," "Santa Fe" and "City of Joy."

Tickets, priced $25, are available by phoning (866) 811-4111 or by visiting DeafWest.