Regan is the respected Michigan actress who created the role of Irene (which she's reprising in Manhattan) in Wilson's Los Alamos-set play for Purple Rose Theatre Company. The Michigan-based PRTC (founded by Jeff Daniels) commissioned the drama. Guy Sanville, PRTC's artistic director, will direct. This is a big New York break for both Michigan artists.

Performances begin May 6 at the Peter Norton Space on West 42nd Street. Opening is May 20. Rain Dance continues to June 29.

Mantooth is remembered for starring in TV's 1970s paramedic drama, "Emergency!," and Yulin has many Broadway and Off-Broadway credits, including last season's Broadway Hedda Gabler.

Van Der Beek starred in Edward Albee's Finding the Sun during the ’93-’94 Albee season at Signature. He is a series regular — the teen-idol title character — on "Dawson's Creek."

Signature explains the play this way: "Los Alamos, New Mexico, 1945, on the eve of the birth of the atomic bomb. Amidst the tranquil beauty of the desert, four individuals involved in the historic project count down to its inevitable conclusion. As the culmination of their work approaches, each wrestles with the weight of responsibility for an event that will change the world forever." Rain Dance is the final Wilson play in a season of works devoted to the American playwright who gave us Fifth of July, THE HOT L BALTIMORE, Talley's Folly and Burn This.

Tickets are $55. Signature's Peter Norton Space is at 555 W. 42nd Street. For subscription and ticket information, call (212) 244-PLAY (7529). For additional information, visit www.signaturetheatre.org.