The tale of Irish misfits playing poker on Christmas Eve will include William Zielinski as Sharky, Anthony Lawton as Ivan, Brian Russell as Richard, Joe Hickey as Nicky and Greg Wood (Arden's Our Town, Walnut Street Theatre's Born Yesterday) as mysterious Mr. Lockhart.

Barrymore Award nominee David O'Connor directs. Opening night is May 20.

McPherson's play opened at the National Theatre in London in 2006. The production was nominated for both the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Play. In October 2007 The Seafarer opened on Broadway and received four Tony Award nominations, including Best Play.

The production team includes David P. Gordon (set designer), John Stephen Hoey (lighting designer), Alison Roberts (costume designer), Jeff Lorenz (sound designer) and Katharine M. Hanley (stage manager).

Arden Theatre Company is located at 40 N. 2nd Street, Old City Philadelphia. For tickets, call (215) 922-1122 or visit www.ardentheatre.org.