Fresh from strong reviews for The Great Gilly Hopkins' at NY's New Victory Theatre, David L. Paterson has another play opening Off-Broadway: Pieces of the Sky.

Urban Stages is mounting the drama, which opens Apr. 22 for a run through May 16. Producing director T.L. Reilly directs Sky, which is set in a Nebraska diner during World War II. A mailman (Robert Ari), who's disliked both for being Jewish and for delivering bad news from the front, strikes up a romance with the diner's owner (Diane Grotke). Supporting cast members include George Cavey, Mick Weber and Jamie Bennett. The show began previews Apr. 18 and features sets by Derek Stenborg, lighting by Jason Boyd, costumes by Jen McGlashan and sound design by Johnna Doty.

Author Paterson's other plays include Finger Painting on a Murphy Bed and Offending Shadows.

Now in its 14th season, Urban Stages (formerly called "Playwrights' Preview Productions") is headed by artistic director Frances Hill. For tickets ($15) and information on Pieces of the Sky at the 28th Street Theatre, 15 West 28 St., call (212) 421-1380.

-- By David Lefkowitz