In 1996, Charlotte [NC] Repertory Theatre's New Play Festival presented a staged reading of The Floatplane Notebooks, an adaptation of Clive Edgerton's novel by Jason Moore & Paul Fitzgerald. Audiences have two more days to catch the fully staged world premiere of the comedy, which opened Feb. 4 and ends Feb. 15 (an extra show was recently added to the last date to accommodate audience demand).

Edgerton chronicles the history of the fictional Copeland family, who meet annually at the family graveyard and swap tales, Polaroids and local gossip. The made-up town of Listre, NC -- which Edgerton's used in six novels -- is based on his true NC hometown, Bethesda. This is the first work by adapters Moore and Fitzgerald, who met at Northwestern University.

Starring in The Floatplane Notebooks are Charlotte Rep veterans Duke Ernsberger and Barbie Van Schaick, alongside 11 other performers. Director Alan Poindexter founded the Innovative Theatre and serves as resident director for the Children's Theatre of Charlotte.

After Notebooks, the theatre will stage Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance, beginning March 4.

For tickets ($16-$23.50) and information on The Floatplane Notebooks at Charlotte Repertory, 201 South College St., call (704) 372-1000. -- By David Lefkowitz