Popular regional work God's Man in Texas adds two performances to its schedule, playing Aug. 23 and 24 at Sarasota's Florida Studio Theatre. The run began July 31 with a closing orginally set for Aug. 19. Richard Hopkins directs David Rambo's comedy-drama.

In God's Man in Texas, young preacher Jerry comes up against the veteran man of God, Dr. Gottschall, who is unwilling to give up the Rock Baptist Church of Houston and his coveted Sunday morning TV broadcast to the upstart. A reformed drug addict named Hugo mediates between the two preachers. Rambo has likened the three characters to the Christian concept of the Trinity.

The play was a standout in the 1999 Humana Festival of New American Plays in Louisville, KY. It is inspired by the true story of Dr. Joel Gregory, a preacher who ascended to the pulpit of the First Baptist Church of Dallas and then quit 22 months later. His story is chronicled in the book "Too Great a Temptation."

Starring in God's Man in Texas are Marc Capri (Dr. Jeremiah Mears), William Metzo (Dr. Philip Gottschall) and Branislov Tomich (Hugo).

Tickets are $18-$26. Florida Studio Theatre is at 1241 North Palm Avenue in Sarasota. For information, call (941) 366-9000. — By Christine Ehren