The production, which chronicles those entangled in Julius Caesar's world of manipulation and power, began previews Feb. 19 and was originally scheduled to conclude its engagement March 23. The production, according to the Public, must close following the March 30 extension due to the prior scheduling commitments of the cast.

A company of actors including Brian Dennehy, David Strathairn, Maria Tucci, Joe Grifasi, Gloria Reuben and Aidan Quinn star in the world-premiere production that is also directed by Nelson. Conversations in Tusculum will officially open at the Public March 11.

Conversations in Tusculum, according to press notes, is described in this manner: "The country you love and the values it represents are being destroyed by a misguided leader. You can continue to live in relative comfort by not involving yourself, or you can take action to save the democracy you love."

Dennehy portrays Cicero, with Quinn as Brutus, Grifasi as Syrus, Reuben as Porcia, Strathairn as Cassius and Tucci as Servilia.

Playwright Richard Nelson earned the Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical for James Joyce's The Dead, a production he also directed. His other works for Broadway include Two Shakespearean Actors, Some Americans Abroad, the book for the musical Chess, as well as adaptations of The Father, Accidental Death of an Anarchist and The Marriage of Figaro. For tickets to Conversations in Tusculum call (212) 539-8750 or visit www.publictheater.org.

The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street in Manhattan.