Rehearsals are underway for the production, which will begin July 27 and open Aug. 6 at the Center Theatre Group's stage for a run through Sept. 17. Lisa Peterson directs the work which closes the 2005-2006 season for the venue.

Penned by Richard Montoya for Culture Clash, Water & Power follows "the story of a hard-working Chicano father, a longtime employee for the DWP, who nicknames his sons Water and Power and teaches them about the bond of family: there is no power without water, and no water without power. Water becomes a successful politician and Power becomes a top-ranking lieutenant in the LAPD. But on one rainy, dangerous night, in a run-down hotel room on Sunset Blvd., both their careers may come crashing down in ruins," according to a release.

Matthews is joined in the cast by Mateo Arias, Moises Arias, Emilio Rivera, Winston J. Rocha and the trio troupe Culture Clash — Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza.

An actor, playwright and dramaturg, Matthews appeared last at the Mark Taper Forum as Vice President Dick Cheney in the American premiere of Stuff Happens. The actor also recently portrayed the titular director in Hitchcock Blonde at South Coast Repertory and performed in his own work The Prince of L.A. at the Old Globe Theatre.

The design team for Water & Power is Rachel Hauck (set), Christopher Acebo (costumes), Alexander V. Nichols (lighting) and Paul James Prendergast (sound). John Glore serves as dramaturg, Steve Rankin handles fight choreography and James T. McDermott is the production stage manager. Tickets to Water & Power at the Taper, 135 North Grand Ave. in Los Angeles, CA can be purchased by calling (213) 628-2772 or on-line at www.TaperAhmanson.com.