J.M. Synge's classic comedy, The Playboy of the Western World, is a common staple for Irish companies, and Off Broadway's Irish Repertory Theatre will acknowledge that popularity with a summertime revival, opening July 2 and continuing to Aug. 18. Rep artistic director Charlotte Moore directs. Christy Mahon is the title's playboy, an unexceptional young man who wins the admiration of his fellows by recounting the scandalous tale of his father's murder. Taking full advantage of his new popularity, Christy begins to court fiery redhead Pegeen Mike — until his father shows up, threatening to spoil everything. Synge's other works include Riders to the Sea and Deirdre of the Sorrows.

Dara Coleman stars as the title character with Derdriu Ring as his love interest, Pegeen. Also in the cast are Clodagh Bowyer (Honor Blake), David Costelloe (Philly Cullen), Laura James Flynn (Susan Brady), James Gale (Old Mahon), Christopher Joseph Jones (Michael James), John Keating (Shawn Keogh), John Leighton (Jimmy Farrell), Aedin Moloney (Widow Quinn) and Heather O'Neill (Sara Tansey).

Tickets are $35-$40. The Irish Repertory Theatre is located at 132 W. 22nd Street between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. For reservations, call (212) 727-2737. Irish Repertory Theatre is on the web at http://www.irishrepertorytheatre.com.

— By Christine Ehren