The storied Playhouse is spending 2004 waiting for its classic barn-theatre home to be modernized and renovated. Its summer shows will be presented at Westport's temporary home at The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts.

Ethan McSweeny will direct the piece. Emerson, a Broadway veteran of The Iceman Cometh and Hedda Gabler, makes his Westport debut. O'Reilly, an Irish Repertory Theatre regular Off-Broadway, appeared at WCT in The Streets of New York, a production that originated at Irish Rep.

In Someone, which played briefly on Broadway a decade back, an American, an Irishman, and an Englishman are imprisoned in Lebanon. While holed up, they form unlikely bonds. Dates are June 24 through July 11.

Next and last in the season is Moliere's The School for Husbands, directed by the busy Doug Hughes (The Beard of Avon, Frozen, Engaged). It will play July 29-Aug. 15.

Also part of the season—and very likely to be its biggest attraction—will be a short run (July 13-15 and July 19-20, with a benefit performance on July 21) of the two-hander bio-play about screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, Trumbo, starring Gordon MacDonald and Paul Newman. Newman starred in Westport biggest hit in recent years, the Broadway transfer of Our Town. The not-for-profit Westport Country Playhouse will re-open in 2005, its 75th anniversary. For 2004 subscription information, call (203) 226-0153. For a complete 2004 season schedule and directions to the various temporary venues visit www.westportplayhouse.org.