Dennis Christopher, best known for his role in the movie Breaking Away, will star in Mark R. Shapiro's new play Retribution at Off-Broadway's Lamb's Theatre. The production, directed by Michael Unger, will begin performances Oct. 14 for an Oct. 24 opening.

Retribution is based on Daniel Stern's novel Who Shall Live, Who Shall Die, which was published in the '60s. The story is set in New York, 20 years after World War II. Rehearsing a new play about the concentration camps, stage director Jud Kramer and his actress wife meet Carl Walkowitz (Christopher), a man who says he knew Kramer at Auschwitz. Together, the two share a chilling secret.

Christopher's stage credits include Brothers, Breaking the Code and Yentl. He won Drama-Logue Awards for American Buffalo and Balm in Gilead. His other films include Chariots of Fire and A Wedding.

Sharpiro is a former journalist and lobbyist, whose play The Shattering was produced Off-Broadway in 1996. Unger has worked at the Mark Taper Forum, the McCarter Theatre, and the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Designing Retribution will be Narelle Sissons (sets) and Howell Binkley (lights).

For information, call (212) 239-6200. -- By Robert Simonson