The resident professional theatre's 2004-05 season will also see the unveiling of its renovated and expanded four theatre complex. The venue's official re-opening gala is in November, coinciding with a production of Chekhov's Ivanov in the new Studio Theatre space (which has not yet been named).

For now, Oleg Bogaev's The Russian National Postal Service — translated by John Freedman and directed by Paul Mullins — plays in the renovated Mead Theatre in The Studio complex. The cast includes D.C. favorite Floyd King as a quirky Russian widower who fills his days writing letters to Lenin, Stalin, Queen Elizabeth II and more. They appear in fantasies, as do bedbugs and aliens. The 1997's play's time period coincides with the collapse of the Soviet Union

With the communist nation's demise, the 70ish Ivan finds himself "ignored, isolated and impoverished." According to The Studio Theatre, the play "successfully combines the warmth, humor and melancholy of Chekhov with a biting social commentary on the New Russia."

Performances continue to Oct. 24. The Russian National Postal Service is the first of seven attractions in the "Russian Winter" series at The Studio Theatre.

The Postal Service cast includes Catherine Flye, Tobin Atkinson, Roseanne Medina, Scott McCormick, Cecil Baldwin, John Collins, Sasha Olinick, Amy Couchoud, Stephen Notes, Anthony Gallagher and Michael Wilson. Designers are Deb Booth (set), Michael Giannitti (lights), Alex Jaeger (costumes), Gil Thompson (sound) and Michelle Elwyn (props).

For information, call (202) 332-3300 or visit www.studiotheatre.org.