Michael Wilson (Dividing the Estate) directs the work by Howe (Coastal Disturbances and Painting Churches), which begins previews March 24 toward an April 9 opening night. The run is slated to play through May 2.

The new comedy, press notes state, follows "a rebellious painter from a distinguished family in Boston and an ebullient Jewish woman with a huge adoring family [who] form an unlikely bond. Inside the confining walls of Mount Airy Nursing Home, the two plot an escape to Paris aboard the QE2. But can they possibly pull it off amidst the chaos of their surroundings? The tension and comedy grow as they struggle to take wing for the last time."

Cohen has been seen on Broadway in Ivanov and Orpheus Descending as well as Off-Broadway in Macbeth, The Golem, Paradise Island, The Knee Desires the Dirt, The Devils, The Model Apartment and Isn't It Romantic. On screen she has appeared in the films "Munich," "The Hottest State," "Vanya on 42nd Street," "Cradle Will Rock," "Then She Found Me," "Across the Universe," "Eagle Eye" and "Synecdoche, New York."

She joins previously announced star Jane Alexander (The Great White Hope) in the six-person company (further casting yet to be announced).

Alexander has appeared onstage in What of the Night, The Visit, The Sisters Rosensweig and Honour and the films "All the President's Men" and "Kramer vs. Kramer" as well as HBO's "Warm Springs" and "Tell Me You Love Me." Primary Stages currently presents Donald Margulies' Shipwrecked! An Entertainment — The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont (As Told By Himself) through March 7.

Tickets for Chasing Manet at the 59E59 Theaters (located at 59 East 59th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues) are available by calling (212) 279-4200. For more information visit primarystages.com.