Playwright Frank Pugliese didn't have much luck with the Drama Dept. production of his recent play, Hope Is the Thing with Feathers ; the drama will close Dec. 19 after receiving largely poor reviews. But Pugliese will shortly get another chance to show his talents -- this time as a director. Pugliese will direct Joe Penhall's Some Voices for the acclaimed Off-Broadway company, The New Group, with previews starting Dec. 23 for a Jan. 7, 1999, opening.

The first preview was pushed back two days from the originally announced date of Dec. 21. And instead of its usual haunt on Theatre Row, the New Group will present this latest show at The Theater at St. Clements (423 W. 46th St.).

Penhall is another of the British playwrights the New Group favors. Some Voices had its debut at London's Royal Court. The play is about an overworked restaurant owner who suddenly finds himself responsible for his schizophrenic brother. Max Baker (Goose Pimples ), Jamie Harris (Dealer's Choice ), Mitchell McGuire (Labor Day ), Ana Reeder (Freedomland ) and Ray Yeates (Tramway End ) star.

Pugliese's plays include Aven'u Boys and The Summer Winds. Previous New Group productions include This Is Our Youth, Curtains and Ecstasy. The remainder of the 1998-99 New Group season includes:
Halfway Home by Diane Bank, Feb. 15-Mar. 31, 1999.
East Is East by Ayub Khan-Din, May 3-June 27, 1999, directed by Scott Elliot.

For information, call ( 212) 279-4200. -- By Robert Simonson dec 23