The play began previews Feb. 28 and runs until March 31 at the theatre, which Imperioli co-founded in 2003 with his wife, Victoria Imperioli, who designed sets and costumes for this production.

Nick Sandow directs a cast that also includes Sharon Angela, Raul Aranas, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, EJ Carroll and Lazaro Perez. Lighting design is by Tony Giovannetti.

Press notes describe the play as such: "Wendell's wife Lina is pregnant. His wayward best friend Floyd sleeps nightly on their couch. And as if things aren't stressful enough, he's under constant pressure to 'father' his messed-up neighbors in the Bronx. In an effort to get some money together, Wendell takes in a rooster to train for an illegal cockfight. As they discover that training a bird for a death match in Washington Heights is not for the feint of heart, this dysfunctional family comes to blows before the fight ever takes place."

Michael Imperioli is best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Christopher in HBO's "The Sopranos." His theatre acting credits include Aven' U Boys, Displaced Persons, Half Deserted Street, The Writing On the Wall and Little Blood Brother. He has acted in the films "Shark Tale," "Goodfellas," "Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X," "Clockers" and "Girl 6," and he wrote, produced and starred in "Summer of Sam."

Batistick's plays include Port Authority Throw Down, Flag, Bodega Lung Fat and Ponies (Studio Dante, Fall 2004). Sandow's Studio Dante credits include Ponies by Mike Batistick, Henry Flamethrowa by John Belluso and Dark Yellow by Julia Jordan.

Studio Dante is located at 257 West 29th Street. For tickets contact Smarttix by visiting www.smarttix.com or by calling (212) 868-4444. For more information, visit www.studiodante.com.