Archer Stage Company in Manhattan opens the world premiere of the musical, The Song of Songs, drawing from a love story written by Sholom Aleichem, May 9 at Greenwich Street Theatre.

Written and directed by Daniel Goldstein, with a score by composer Michael Friedman, the tuner uses an original translation by Curt Leviant, an Aleichem scholar. The lyrics for the songs are taken from the Biblical text of "Song of Songs." Performances continue to May 20.

The story concerns two star-crossed lovers whose love is doomed by the customs of their time. It is said to be a departure from the humorous work for which the writer is known ("Tevye," which inspired Fiddler on the Roof, for example).

The cast includes Rebecca Borash, Vivien Weiss, Sandy Rustin, Patrick Mellen, Rachel Jacobs, Cormac Bluestone, Jordan Matthew Smith, Eliza Ladd, Kathryn Blume, Jesse Hawks and Paul Siemens.

Designers are David Korins (set), Ben Stanton (lighting) and Melissa-Anne Blizzard (costumes). Choreography is by Kara Martinez-Weilding. Tickets are $12-$15. Previews began May 4. Greenwich Street Theatre is at 547 Greenwich Street. Call (212) 592-4005.

-- By Kenneth Jones