Stepping Out With Mr. Markham, a new play by Jeanne Dorsey produced by New Georges opens Dec. 10. at 46 Walker Street Theater. Previews began Dec. 6.

In the play, Irene and Maxwell Markham are an acclaimed London ballroom dance couple encountering marital troubles. Separated, and comforted in the arms of others, Irene and Max discover a new meaning of love and passion.

Martha Banta directs the dark and touching comedy which stars Marissa Copeland, Paul Dawson, Jeanne Doresey, Michael Ornstein and Timothy Britten Parker. Dorsey is the author of At the Movies with Vera and Vivan Vigilante, Once Upon a Family and Compliments to Amanda.

New Georges is a non-profit theater company that produces and develops new works exclusively by women. They received the 1996 Village Voice OBIE grant and a 1997 BIFF (Best in Fringe Festival) Award.

Stepping Out runs through Dec.21 with performances Wednesday through Monday at 8 PM, and matinees Dec. 13 and 20 at 2 PM. Tickets cost $12. Call (212) 560-7387. The New Georges company is named for 19th century writers George Sand and George Eliot -- women who wrote under men's names.

-- By Megan Brady