Comedian Dody Goodman and soap star Ilene Kristen appear in the Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center's production of Marvin's Room, Nov. 6-22.

Goodman, a hit in last season's Nunsense, is a veteran of such classic television shows as "Jack Parr Show," "The Merv Griffin Show," and "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman". Goodman was in the national tour of Nunsense, as well as on Broadway in Grease.

Kristen has also appeared in Grease on Broadway (as Patty), as well as appearing in Mayor as Leona Helmsley. Kristen is a veteran soap performer, having appeared on "Another World," "Loving," and "Ryan's Hope."

Didi Conn was originally slated to appear in Room but withdrew after being offered a role in Israel Horovitz's Primary English Class Off-Broadway. Conn is replaced by Susanna Frazer, whose Broadway credits include The Nerd, and Tommy Tune's Stepping Out.

Marvin's Room is Scott McPherson comedy/drama about a Florida woman who, while caring for her ailing aunt and father, is suddenly faced with her mortality. She turns to an estranged sister for help. The latter reluctantly makes the trip to Florida, bringing her two sons, one of whom has just been released from a mental institution. The film version of the story, made in 1996 by director Jerry Zaks, starred Meryl Streep, Robert De Niro, Leonardo DiCaprio, Diane Keaton, Hume Cronyn and Gwen Verdon.

For tickets or more information on The Helen Hayes Performing Arts Center's production of Marvin's Room, call (914) 358-6333.

-- By Sean McGrath