Two-time Emmy Award winner Daniel J. Travanti ("Hill Street Blues") stars as innkeeper Con Melody opposite Ellen Crawford ("ER," Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?) as his wife Nora. Alex Lippard directs.

A Touch of the Poet began performances Dec. 2 and officially opened Dec. 8. The engagement was produced by Friendly Fire.

The cast also includes Tessa Klein (Philadelphia, Here I Come!), Steven Boyer (I'm Not Rappaport), Richard Crawford (Gone Missing), Antoinette La Vecchia (String of Pearls), Peter Rogan (The Seafarer), Timothy Smallwood (Ecstasy), Ian Stuart (Copenhagen) and Richard B. Watson (The Devil's Disciple).

Press notes for Poet state, "Cornelius (a.k.a. Con) Melody, once a landed gentleman in Ireland, now an innkeeper in America who has fallen upon hard times. He lives in the past, strutting like a peacock in his army officer's uniform from 20 years before, playing the part of the nobleman and treating his wife Nora and daughter Sara with contempt and derision — all to puff up his own sense of pride and importance. When the arrival of a mysterious lady and her son threatens to destroy Con's grand illusion, he makes one last attempt to defend his honor, resulting in a drunken brawl and utter humiliation. Finally forced to confront his true self, Con learns to accept who he really is. Or does he?"

A Touch of the Poet features set design by Michael V. Moore, costume design by Amanda Bujak, lighting design by Miriam Crowe and sound design by Will Pickens. For additional information visit www.friendlyfirenyc.org. The 14th Street Theater is located in Manhattan at 344 East 14th Street.