Directed by Rob Melrose, performances will play the Guthrie's Dowling Studio through March 8. Opening night is scheduled for Feb. 18. The two-hander co-stars Guthrie vets Sally Wingert and Richard Ooms.

"This intense and strictly concentrated two-character drama," press notes read, "features an eternally optimistic Winnie inexplicably buried waist-deep in a mound of earth, clinging to her life of arbitrary routines and rituals. Her husband, Willie, appears from time to time and replies only occasionally to her cheerful chatter, a source of comfort as she remains ever hopeful that 'this is going to be a happy day.' With its vivid sense of the bizarre and a blend of humor and compassion, Happy Days represents one of the Nobel Prize-winning writer's finest works."

The artistic team also includes Michael Locher (set designer), Christine Richardson (costume designer), Frank Butler (lighting designer), Michael Lupu (dramaturgy), Martha Kulig (stage manager) and Meaghan Rosenberger (assistant stage manager).

The Guthrie is located at 818 South 2nd Street (at Chicago Avenue), in downtown Minneapolis, MN. To purchase tickets call (612) 377-2224 or visit www.guthrietheater.org.