The new play, produced by Theater Previews in Durham, NC, will run Feb. 22-March 6, at Reynolds Theater on the Duke campus. Theater Previews, the professional theatre program associated with Duke, produced the tryout of Broadway's Little Women in fall 2004.

Noth may be best known for his roles as mysterious Mr. Big in HBO's "Sex and the City," and as Det. Mike Logan in the TV series "Law and Order."

In the concert stage presentation of the Vidal play, Noth will play Union soldier Col. Thayer, "a complex character who is conflicted in his role in the Civil War as he participates in Sherman's march toward the sea," according to the announcement. "He alternately shows humanity and insensitivity toward his Southern hosts as his regiment commandeers their greatest source of pride and accomplishment-their home."

Noth played the same role in the developmental reading at Hartford Stage Company in fall 2004.

"We are very pleased to have signed Chris Noth to be a part of our premiere here at Duke," said Zannie Giraud Voss, producing director at Duke, in a statement. "We look forward to his active participation in campus life here at Duke, along with that of Mr. Vidal as they bring to life this outstanding new play."

As previously reported, On the March to the Sea will be directed by Warner Shook and produced as a staged theatrical concert reading.

Additional casting will be announced.

Tickets go on sale Jan. 10 at University Box Office, Call (919) 684-4444 or visit www.tickets.duke.edu.