Reed directs and stars in the work based on his upbringing, tracing "a young man's coming-of-age in 1970s Oakland as he struggles to find out who he is in a world of religious fanatics, pimps, players, hustlers, and streetwalkers," according to press notes. "In this autobiographical tale, Reed chronicles escaping an ultra strict upbringing, going out of his way to be something that he wasn't, and eventually, learning to keep it real."

An official opening night has been set for July 10 at New World Stages. East 14th is designed by Matthew Aller.

For his work on East 14th, Reed was nominated for a Best Actor and Best Playwright Award for the 2008 NAACP Theatre Awards. He is known for his television appearances on "The Cosby Show," and "A Different World." On stage Reed appeared in the McCarter Theatre production of The Key, opposite Hector Elizondo and Jo Beth Williams.

The performance schedule for East 14th is as follows: Thursdays at 8 PM, and Friday through Saturday at 9 PM.

Tickets for East 14th, priced $45-$55, are available by visiting www.telecharge.com, or by phoning (212) 239-6200. For further information visit East14th.com.