Esparza's website says that the actor, who recently starred in the Off-Broadway revival of Comedians, will portray Philip Sallon in the new musical, which arrives — via London — at the Plymouth Theatre Oct. 21 with an official opening Nov. 13. Esparza joins the previously announced Boy George as Leigh Bowery and Olivier Award nominee Euan Morton as Boy George.

The Broadway production — produced by Rosie O'Donnell and Adam Kenwright — will feature an all-new book by Charles Busch. The score features music and lyrics by George O'Dowd, better known as Boy George.

Christopher Renshaw directs the musical, which began life at London’s Venue in January 2002. That production played its final performance April 26. Mark Dendy will choreograph the Broadway mounting, and the remainder of the creative team comprises John McDaniel (musical supervision), Tim Goodchild (scenic design), Mike Nicholls and Bobby Pearce (costume design), Natasha Katz (lighting design), Jonathan Deans (sound design) and make-up and hair design (Christine Bateman).

Set in London in the early eighties, Taboo focuses on two young men: anarchic performance artist-designer Leigh Bowery and a young, rough-edged boy who becomes a surprising crossover star, Boy George. The stories of Bowery and George are told against the background of the London club Taboo.

The Plymouth Theatre is located at 236 West 45th Street. Tickets, priced between $80 and $100, will go on sale in late August through Telecharge, (212) 239-6200. For more information about the musical, visit www.tabooonbroadway.com. *

Raúl Esparza starred on Broadway in Cabaret and The Rocky Horror Show. He was seen in the national tours of Evita and tick, tick . . . BOOM! and also starred in two of the Stephen Sondheim musicals that comprised the Sondheim Celebration, Sunday in the Park with George and Merrily We Roll Along.