Two best friends can either be lovers or collaborators in David Stein's Bearded Iris, a new comedy about creating theatre, opening March 19 at the Flatiron Theatre. Performances began March 15 for a run through April 1. David Calafiore (Danny Zyne's The Game) directs.

In Bearded Iris, lovers and best friends Gary and Roger are playwrights making a second stab at co-scripting a show together - and they still can't decide how to write the play. One envisions an Ionesco-ish absurdist comedy, while the other wants a Pinteresque piece. While their separate plays come to life on stage, the story of their love intertwines with their theatre works.

Stein is the author of Feathers and Central Heating. He founded the Pictou County Children's Theatre in Nova Scotia and served as the Musical Theatre of Wilton's composer for eight years.

10 year Cats veteran Joel Briel stars with Three Tall Women's Michael Rhodes and comedienne Rahti Gorfien (When You Try to Save Your Life You Lose it). Kelly Mizell and Kevin Varner are also featured.

Tickets are $15. The Flatiron Theatre is located at 119 West 23rd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. For reservations, call (212) 330-0680. — By Christine Ehren