John Henry Redwood, who penned the regionally popular The Old Settler, is having his latest play premiere in two places: the Philadelphia Theatre Company and Off-Broadway's Primary Stages, as part of a coproduction this winter and spring. Set in 1949 North Carolina, No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs tells of the relationship between a Jewish sociologist and the black family he's come to study.

Philadelphia Theatre Company begins its production of the drama Jan. 26 with an opening Jan. 31 for a run through Feb. 25. Primary Stages gets the show in March.

Regarding the show's potentially controversial title, author Redwood said in a statement, "The title of this drama, inspired by a road sign I actually saw in the South, reflects the racism which the play's characters must face in their daily conflicts."

Israel Hicks, a veteran of the Denver Center Theatre Company, directs No Dogs, which stars Jack Aaron, Adrienne Carter, Rayme Lyn Cornell, Marcus Naylor, Elizabeth Van Dyke (Checkmates) and Charis Marguerite Wilson. Van Dyke plays Mattie Cheeks, a mother trying to protect her daughters and save her marriage.

Designing the show are Michael Brown (set), Ann G. Wrightson (lighting), Christine Field (costumes) and Eileen Tague (sound). Michele Volansky serves as dramaturg. For tickets ($26-$36) and information on No Niggers, No Jews, No Dogs at the Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Street in Phialdelphia, call (215) 735-0631.

— By David Lefkowitz