The Jewish Repertory Theatre in Manhattan will stage the world premiere of Alan Glass' Love in a Thirsty Land beginning Feb. 19.

Robert Kalfin will helm the new work, a love story about a pious young Polish-Jewish immigrant who ends up on trial for the 1875 murder of a young woman. The work is based on material from an actual case found in the memoirs of Abraham Cahan, founder the Daily Forward.

Susan May Pratt and David Julian Hirsh are featured in a cast that includes David Hess, Lee Beltzer and Suzanne Toren.

Official opening is Feb. 27 at the Rep's digs at Playhouse 91 on the Upper East Side. No official closing has been announced.

Designers are Mark Nayden (set), Gail Cooper Hecht (costumes) and Chris Dallos (lighting). Director Kaflin staged Broadway's Yentl, Strider and Happy End. Tickets are $35-$40. Playhouse 91 is at 316 E. 91st Street. Call (212) 831-2000 for information, or visit the JRT website at www.jrt.org.

*

A world premiere staging of the romantic drama, Syncopation, was seen in a 1999-2000 co-production by Connecticut's Long Wharf Theatre and New Jersey's George Street Playhouse. It was to be staged by JRT in February-March, but the company opted for Love in a Thirsty Land.

-- By Kenneth Jones