Alley Theatre artistic director Gregory Boyd will helm the production, having previously presented McDonagh's The Pillowman and The Beauty Queen of Leenane for Houston audiences at the Alley.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore cast comprises John Tyson (Donny), Brandon Hearnsberger (Davey), Chris Hutchison (Padraic), Justin Doran (James), Elizabeth Bunch (Mairead), Todd Waite (Christy), Jeffrey Bean (Brendan) and John Paul Green (Joey).

"Set on a lonely island, this most surprising new work chronicles the shockingly funny events that come to pass when someone kills Wee Thomas, the beloved cat of an Irish Liberation Army enforcer," according to press notes. "It all builds to a stunning surprise that has audiences laughing in disbelief at every performance."

The creative team features scenic and lighting design by Kevin Rigdon, costume design by Judith Dolan, sound design by Garth Hemphill, fight direction by Steve Rankin and special effects design by Waldo Warshaw; the dialect coach is Pamela Prather.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore – a favorite among critics and audiences both in London and New York – is part of McDonagh's trilogy of Aran Island plays, which also includes The Cripple of Inishmaan and The Banshees of Inisheer. McDonagh's 2002 Olivier Award-winning play made the leap across the pond to Off-Broadway's Atlantic Theatre Company in 2006 – the sold-out engagement earned two Lucille Lortel Awards – including Outstanding Play. A Broadway transfer in April of 2006 earned five Tony nominations including Best Play.

The Alley Theatre engagement of The Lieutenant of Inishmore runs through Feb. 24; opening night is Jan. 30. Tickets are available by visiting www.alleytheatre.org or by calling (713) 220-5700.

The Alley Theatre is located at 615 Texas Avenue in Houston, TX.