Despite much hype connected to its hit film counterpart, the Off-Off Broadway mounting of Trainspotting ended its run Nov. 29, only two weeks after its official opening date, Nov. 15. According to the Publicity Office, the show began previews Oct. 27 at the Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street.

The Irvine Welsh novel, which became a popular film, has had productions in Toronto, London and Glasgow. Trainspotting the play received rave reviews in Glasgow at its 1995 premiere and then moved to London where it was extremely well received at both the Bush and Ambassador's Theatre. From there it has continued to tour across England and Australia. New York reviewers were less enthused however, most saying the play had the seamy shocks of the film without the giddy highs.

Welsh's novel is set in Edinburgh's gritty side and follows the unromantic adventures of group of drugged-out, disaffected youths. The movie version, directed by Danny Boyle, launched the careers of Robert Carlyle (The Full Monty) and Ewan McGregor (the upcoming Star Wars prequels).

The Canadian Stage Company brought the show to its 26 Berkeley St. theatre in Toronto this past winter. CanStage pursued the play for more than a year and has secured first North American rights.

The New York cast featured Tessa Auberjonois, Dara Coleman, Sebastian Roche and Seth Ullian. Harry Gibson directed. -- By Robert Simonson
and Mira Friedlander
and David Lefkowitz