Entitled Almost, Maine, the romantic comedy will begin performances at Off-Broadway's Daryl Roth Theatre Dec. 15 with an official opening Jan. 12, 2006. Gabriel Barre directs a cast that features Todd Cerveris, Justin Hagan, Miriam Shor and Finnerty Steeves.

Almost, Maine, according to production notes, concerns the "residents of a small, northern town [who] are falling in and out of love at an alarming rate. Love is discovered; hearts are broken and mended —almost — in this midwinter night's dream!" The play premiered in fall 2004 at the Portland Stage Company.

The creative team includes James Youmans (set design), Jeff Croiter (lighting design), Brian Ronan (sound design) and Pamela Scofield (costume design). The production features an original score by singer-songwriter Julian Fleisher.

In addition to Fiddler on the Roof, John Cariani has also appeared on the New York stage in Two Gentlemen of Verona. His screen credits include "Scotland, PA," "Showtime," "Kissing Jessica Stein" and "Law & Order." He was a contributing playwright for The Audience, and his next play, Cul de Sac, will be produced within the year.

The Daryl Roth Theatre is located in Manhattan at 101 East 15th Street. Performances are Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 8 PM, Sundays at 7 PM with matinees on Saturdays at 4 PM and Sundays at 3 PM. Tickets, priced $26 $66, are available by calling (212) 239-6200.