Just a few weeks ago, A.R. Gurney's comedy Labor Day was playing at Off-Broadway's Manhattan Theatre Club. Now, as reported by Theatrical Index, Gurney's next play has been announced for Lincoln Center's Off Broadway Mitzi Newhouse space in December.

Production spokesperson Philip Rinaldi confirmed the show will begin rehearsals Nov. 10 for previews beginning Dec. 11, an opening Jan. 10, 1999 and a run through March 7, 1999.

Far East tried out at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts in July, with Daniel Sullivan directing. Former Seattle Rep artistic director Sullivan will again helm the play Off-Broadway. Set in the 1950s, Far East tells of a young naval officer looking for fun in Japan before Voice of America calls him home.

At Williamstown, roles were played by Paul Fitzgerald, Linda Emond, Tohoru Masamune, Bill Smitrovich and Scott Wolf. Spokesperson Philip Rinaldi said NY casting would likely be announced at the end of October.

Gurney is the author of The Cocktail Hour, Sylvia, Later Life, The Dining Room, Richard Cory, Sweet Sue, Darlene And The Guest Lecturer and Love Letters. At Williamstown, designing Far East were Rui Rita (lighting), Danielle Castronovo (costumes), Jerry M. Yager (sound) and Michael Brown (set). Rita will again do the Off-Broadway honors, joined by Tom Lynch (set), Jess Goldstein (costumes) and Dan Moses Schreier (music & sound).

The last tenant at the Mitzi Newhouse was the William Finn musical, A New Brain. On the Broadway Vivian Beaumont stage of Lincoln Center Theatre, the musical Parade begins previews Nov. 12.

-- By Robert Simonson and David Lefkowitz