The York Theatre Company goes on a surreal journey through the mind of a postcard collector with the world premiere musical, Postcards on Parade, beginning previews in Manhattan April 11.

To cope with loss, the collector (technically, a "deltiologist") creates a fantastic musical journey in which two couples "romp through fact and fantasy in a cross-country tour where postcards come to life."

Book and lyrics are by the poet Kenward Elmslie and music is by Steven Taylor, formerly of the pop group, The Fuggs. Elmslie previously penned a Broadway musical stage version of The Grass Harp, drawing from Truman Capote's story. In the final years of John LaTouche's life, Elmslie was the lyricist's "significant other," according to a Playbill bio. He has also penned libretti for six operas.

Postcards on Parade is directed by Clayton Phillips (a Hal Prince protégé who staged Kiss of the Spider Woman abroad) and features Jennifer Allen (Cats, Little Me), John Hillner (Footloose), Mark Lotito (The Most Happy Fella) and Randy Redd (Parade, By Jeeves).

Andy Blankenbuehler, a dancer featured in Fosse and Saturday Night Fever, choreographs. Designers are York artistic director James Morgan (set), Mary Jo Dondlinger (lighting), Lynn Bowling (costumes) and Michael Clark (projections). Musical direction and arrangements are by Jack Aaronson. Official opening is April 27, with performances continuing to May 21.

Tickets are $40-$45. The York Theatre Company presents in The Theatre at Saint Peter's in the Citicorp Center, 619 Lexington Ave. at 54th Street. For information, call (212) 239-6200.

-- By Kenneth Jones