The countdown has begun to the Jan. 24, 1999 opening of Steven Dietz's Rocket Man, in previews Jan. 22-23 at the Stiemke Theater of Milwaukee Repertory Theater. The production, directed by Andrew Traister, continues through Feb 14.

Dietz's fantastical play, about a man who chucks his belongings and takes a journey into a parallel universe, had its world premiere by the Arizona Theatre Company in 1998 and was recently nominated for the American Theatre Critics New Play Award.

John Walcutt, making his Rep debut, plays the title's time-traveler, Donny. The cast also includes Ron Frazier, Carrie Hitchcock, Laura Gordon and Kirsten Potter.

Designers are Kent Dorsey (scenic and lighting), Christine Dougherty (costumes) and Barry G. Funderburg (sound).

Dietz, author of Painting It Red, God's Country and Lonely Planet, is a Milwaukee favorite. His adaptation of the epic novel, Silence, was seen at the Rep in the 1995-96 season, and Private Eyes was staged there in 1997-98. The Rep will present the world premiere of his Force of Nature April 7-May 9, 1999. Tickets are $17.50-$25. Milwaukee Rep is a three-theatre operation in downtown Milwaukee. For information, call (414) 224-9490.

-- By Kenneth Jones