Off-Broadway's 29th Street Rep has extended its production of Sam Shepard's Fool for Love for a second time. It will now run until July 27. The show began previews on Feb. 4 with an opening on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14.

Fool was initially scheduled for 2001, but was pushed back owing to cast-member David Mogentale battling cancer. "We as a group wanted to wait," stated director and company co-artistic director Tim Corcoran about the choice to postpone, "rather than recast." The chemistry and "energy" between the cast was the main reason for the decision and also, as he added, the "hope to help his recovery, that he would have something to look forward to."

The play focuses on a chance meeting between two former lovers at a seedy motel near the Mojave Desert. But as the story unravels, we learn that it may be more than just a chance, and they may be more than just lovers.

Originally produced Off-Broadway in 1983 by the Circle Repertory Company, the production garnered five Obies for the Best New American Play, for stars Ed Harris, Kathy Baker and Will Patton, as well as Shepard's direction. Fool for Love was subsequently turned into the 1985 Robert Altman film with the same title, starring the playwright and Kim Basinger.

The current Fool for Love cast includes co artistic director David Mogentale, company veteran Elizabeth Elkins, Stephen Payne and Tony DeVito. The design team for the initial mounting was to include CJ Howard with sets, Doug Cox on lights and Tim Cramer with sound. For tickets ($35) and further information on Fool For Love, call the 29th St. Rep box office at (212) 465-1714.

—By Robert Simonson