Irish Rep producing director Ciarán O'Reilly directs the contemporary classic set in 1962. The "bittersweet comedy revolves around the young Gar O'Donnell on the eve of his departure from Ireland to America," according to Irish Rep. "Gar's heartache from losing his girlfriend to a successful businessman propels him to accept an invitation to go and live with an aunt in Philadelphia. Despite the wild fantasies of what life in America might hold, and his yearning to escape the tedium of small town Ballybeg, a kind word from his taciturn father could change his mind."

The cast includes Paddy Croft, Michael Fitzgerald, James Kennedy, Edwin Owens, James Stevens, Tessa Klein, Gil Rogers, Helena Carroll, John Leighton, Geddeth Smith, Tim Ruddy, Joe Berlangero, Darren Connolly and Leo Leyden.

Opening is July 21. Performances play to Sept. 4.

Friel's work includes Dancing at Lughnasa, Translations, Aristocrats and Give Me You Answer Do. Born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, in 1929, Brian Friel is one of Ireland's major contemporary voices of the past 50 years.

Philadelphia, Here I Come! was first produced on Broadway in 1964 by David Merrick and ran for 326 performances. The Irish Repertory Theatre is the recent recipient of the 2005 Lucille Lortel "Outstanding Body of Work" Award.

Scenic design is by David Raphel, costume design is by David Toser, lighting design is by Brian Nason, and sound design is by Murmod, Inc. Casting is by Laura Maxwell-Scott.

Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 PM. Matinees are Saturday and Sunday at 3 PM.

Tickets are $50 and $45 and can be purchased by calling (212) 727-2737 or at the box office at 132 West 22nd St. between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. For more information, visit www.irshrep.org.