The Cranes, Dmitry Lipkin's new play, will receive its world premiere Oct. 8 at NYC's Theatre at St. Clement's as a part of the New Group's new season. Opening night is set for Oct. 20. New Group founding artistic director Scott Elliott directs.

The New York Times reports the casting of Laura Esterman (Marvin's Room), Mira Furlan, David Margulies and Josh Mostel (Getting Away With Murder) in this drama, which is set in 1987 Baton Rouge. The scene is a Mardi Gras party thrown by two naturalized Russian Jews for their estranged friends arriving from the Soviet Union.

Elliott's directing credits include Mike Leigh's Goose-Pimples (three Drama Desk nominations), Ecstasy (two Obie Awards, Calloway Award), Stephen Bill's Curtains (two Obie Awards) and Broadway revivals of Present Laughter and the Roundabout's recent Three Sisters. He recently completed his first feature film, "A Map of the World," based on Jane Hamilton's novel, starring Sigourney Weaver and Julianne Moore.

Tickets are $20 for previews, $35-$25 thereafter. Reservations can be made by calling Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200. The Theatre at St. Clements is lcoated at 423 West 46th Street.

-- By Christine Ehren