Hoffman co-wrote the 1700's-set comedy with actor Anthony Holland. Theatre Askew co-artistic director Tim Cusack stages the production, which chronicles the personal and public life of New York governor Edward Hyde. Performances continue through Feb. 8.

Cornbury stars Obie winners David Greenspan (Beebo Brinker Chronicles, Hairspray) and Everett Quinton (The Mystery of Irma Vep, Women Beware Women) as well as Tara Blast, Ashley Bryant, Julia Campanelli, Eugene the Poogene, Ken Kliban (As Is), Bianca Leigh ("Transamerica"), Christian Pedersen, Erik Sherr, Nomi Tichman and Jenne Vath (Tooth of Crime).

Hoffman (As Is) and Holland based the comedy on Edward Hyde, who was the governor of New York and New Jersey from 1702-1708. The late governor was rumored to have had a habit of dressing as his first cousin, Queen Anne.

Press notes explain, "In other words, an early English governor of New York was quite possibly a drag queen—and not a very pretty one, if the portrait reportedly of him in women's clothing that hangs in the New York Historical Society is an accurate portrayal. Through its fictional accounting of events around Lord Cornbury's governorship, Cornbury: The Queen's Governor, celebrates the ongoing cultural diversity and vitality of the Big Apple. A satirical romp in the tradition of The Ridiculous Theatre, the play also raises important questions about American culture: Are we inclusive or intolerant? How do we integrate individual differences of ethnicity, religion, and sexuality into what it means to be an 'American?'"

Designing the production are Mark Beard (set design), Jeffrey Wallach (costume design), Deborah Constantine (lighting design), Matt Doers & Isaac Davison (wig design), Jeff Domoto (musical compositions) and Nathan DeCoux (fight director). Tickets, priced $18, are available by phoning (212) 352-3101. The Hudson Guild Theatre is located at 441 West 26th Street in Manhattan.

For further information, visit TheatreAskew.