The death of a friend prompts a young man to admit his true nature in the world premiere of Andrew Reaches the Other Side, March 9-26 at Bank Street Theatre in New York City. Playwright Peter Mercurio's comedy-drama, directed by Chuck Blasius, is billed as "a comical and dramatic coming-out/coming-of-age story that revolves around Andrew, a sports fan whose life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a stranger who is 'just like him.'"

When Andrew's best friend, John, dies, Andrew finally admits to himself the attraction he had toward John. By pure luck (or perhaps divine intervention) Andrew meets Danny, a guy who is strikingly similar to John. Friends and family impact the journey toward a second chance at finding love.

"It's not your typical gay theatre piece," Mercurio told Playbill On-Line. "There's no nudity, sex or AIDS -- things that have been expected with gay plays in the past."

The web site has the following disclaimer: "Warning: This show does not contain nudity."

The cast includes Melanie Bean, Kieran Campion, Stephen Guarino, Marty Miller, Mark Shunock and Jennifer A. Skinner.

Director Blasius co-founded InCoAct, an Off-Off-Broadway company that has produced new works including Blasius' Lonely Too Long and the Chekhov-inspired Of Lives and Leaves, by John Alban Coughlan.

Designers are Rob Hilliard (lights), John Flanagan (set) and Ricky Lizalde (costumes).

Mercurio's Anchors was staged at the William Redfield Theatre in New York City in 1993.

Andrew Reaches the Other Side was developed with Rattlestick Productions and Playwrights Gallery. It is produced by Other Side Productions.

Tickets are $12. Bank Street Theatre is at 155 Bank Street in Manhattan. For information, call (212) 978-7669 or visit the website at www.osprods.com.

-- By Kenneth Jones