J.M. Synge's The Playboy of the Western World, continues to remain popular with Irish and non-Irish audiences alike. Off Broadway's Irish Repertory Theatre are proof of that as they extend the classic comedy an extra three weeks, through Sept. 8.

Christy Mahon is the title's playboy, an unexceptional young man who wins the admiration of his fellows by recounting the scandalous tale of his father's murder. Taking full advantage of his new popularity, Christy begins to court fiery redhead Pegeen Mike — until his father shows up, threatening to spoil everything. Synge's other works include Riders to the Sea and Deirdre of the Sorrows.

Rep artistic director Charlotte Moore directs. Dara Coleman stars as the title character with Derdriu Ring as his love interest, Pegeen. Also in the cast are Clodagh Bowyer (Honor Blake), David Costelloe (Philly Cullen), Laura James Flynn (Susan Brady), James Gale (Old Mahon), Christopher Joseph Jones (Michael James), John Keating (Shawn Keogh), John Leighton (Jimmy Farrell), Aedin Moloney (Widow Quinn) and Heather O'Neill (Sara Tansey).

Tickets are $35-$40. The Irish Repertory Theatre is located at 132 W. 22nd Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. For reservations, call (212) 727-2737. Irish Repertory Theatre is on the web at http://www.irishrepertorytheatre.com.

— By Christine Ehren