The Cider House Rules, the sprawling two-part Peter Parnell stage adaptation of John Irving's novel, will receive its Midwestern premiere on Jan. 17, 2003, at Famous Door Theatre.

Famous Door will present parts one and two in rotating repertory. Part two famously didn't reach New York City after the Atlantic Theatre Company's mounting of part one got a less-than-enthusiastic review from The New York Times.

Cider House was developed over several seasons at the Seattle Repertory and received positive notices. Conceived and directed by actor Tom Hulce (Amadeus) and Jane Jones, Cider House Rules ran at the Mark Taper Forum in summer and fall of 1998. In 1999, the Atlantic presented the first section, titled Here in St. Cloud's. The second half is called In Other Parts of the World. At the Taper, the two plays were presented on separate evenings during the week or together on weekends in marathons.

The drama concerns young Homer Wells, his life in and outside an orphanage, and his father figure, Dr. Larch, who both saves babies and performs abortions. An acclaimed screen adaptation starred Tobey Maguire (Homer Wells) and Michael Caine (Dr. Larch).

Directing are Marc Grapey and David Cromer. The show will run through April 6, 2003, at Victory Gardens Theatre. —By Robert Simonson