Atlantic Theater Company is partnering with producers Roger Alan Gindi, Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley, Dan Whitten, Herbert Goldsmith Productions, and WetRock Entertainment to present Johnson in the new work, beginning May 4 Off-Broadway.

The resident Atlantic company previously announced it was bumping its planned Eugene Ionesco evening from spring to fall 2004. The "guest production" of The Two and Only — a world premiere following workshops — steps in. The show is written and performed by Johnson, the talented ventriloquist who came to wide fame as the addled human-and-dummy act, Chuck and Bob, on TV's "Soap." Opening is set for May 13.

Here, Johnson is "returning the ancient craft to its rightful place as an art form," according to the announcement. In The Two and Only, "Jay Johnson hysterically deconstructs and demonstrates his lifelong obsession with ventriloquism. From the Oracle of Delphi to 'The Tonight Show,' ventriloquism has long provided insight as well as entertainment. Through the illusion of ventriloquism and his diverse array of characters, Mr. Johnson takes us on a multi-dimensional journey."

Murphy Cross and Paul Kreppel direct the piece.

Designers are Beowulf Boritt (scenery), Clifton Taylor (lighting) and David Gotwald (sound). Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 PM, with a Saturday matinee at 2 PM, and Sundays at 3 and 7 PM.

Tickets are $50 and are available through www.Telecharge.com .

The Atlantic Theater Company is located at 336 West 20th Street (between Eighth and Ninth Avenues). For membership information or wheelchair seating, call (212) 645-1242, or visit www.atlantictheater.org.

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A spokesperson for Atlantic Theatre Company said Ionesco's The Bald Soprano and The Lesson, in adaptations by Tina Howe, will kick off the not-for-profit's 2004-2005 season.