Last chance to catch Minutes from the Blue Route, by Philadelphia native Tom Donaghy, ending its scheduled run at the Philadelphia Theatre Company (its local premiere) Feb. 15. The show began previews Jan. 16 and opened Jan. 21.

The quirky urban comedy, set in a household just "minutes from the Blue R ehich, in case you're wondering, is a highway in Pennsylvania), is about a young man who is summoned home by his parents to talk his younger sister out of leaving college. Coincidentally, the parents are selling the family home -- and all four family members are thrown into a panic about the future.

The play, described as "a comedy with dramatic underpinnings," was an Off-Broadway hit last season at the Atlantic Theatre Company. Donaghy first gained attention two seasons ago with a production of Northeast Local at New York's Lincoln Center, a play that also explored family life.

Michael Wilson is the director of the Philadelphia production of Minutes from the Blue Route. The Philadelphia Theatre Company was recently named the "1997 Theatre Company of the Year" by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Starring in the show are Tom McCarthy, Jennifer Harmon (Rumors), Tom Butler and Mollie Hall. Designing the show are Jeff Cowie (set), Michael Lincoln (lighting), Janus Stefanowicz (costumes) and Johnna Doty (sound)> Upcoming productions at the theatre include David Rabe's A Question of Mercy, Mar. 27-April 26, and Naomi Wallace's adaptation of William Wharton's Birdy, May 29-June 28.

Performances are at the Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey St. For tickets, call (215) 735-0631.

-- By Rebecca Paller