New York theatre veteran John Seitz, Chicago theatre veteran Robert Brueler and Tony nominee Pamela Burrell lead the cast in the East Coast premiere of The Infidel, opening Jan. 30 at the Philadelphia Theatre Company. Written by Bruce Norris and directed by Anna D. Shapiro, associate artist at the Steppenwolf Theatre, The Infidel will run Jan. 25-Feb. 24.

In Infidel, John Seitz plays state Supreme Court Justice Garvey, who has to endure the consequences of a brief affair, forcing him to examine the nature of sexual obsessions and human behavior.

Seitz's Off-Broadway roles have included Maria Irene Fornes' Mud and Abingdon Square (he won an Obie for the latter) and Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape. Burrell's Bway credits include The Red Shoes, Sunday in the Park with George and her Tony-nommed turn Strider. Breuler, a Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble member, was seen on Broadway in such Chicago transfers as Death of a Salesman and The Grapes of Wrath.

Also in the Infidel cast are Al Espinosa, Barrymore winner Joe Guzman (Lovers and Executioners) and Jessica Leccia. Designing the show are Todd Rosenthal (set), Ann G. Wrightson (lighting), Janus Stefanowicz (costumes) and Eileen ague (sound).

The Philadelphia Theatre Company, now in its 26th season, is devoted to world premieres and contemporary American plays. The season began with Dinner with Friends, the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama by Donald Margulies. After The Infidel, the PTC will present the Philadelphia premiere of Edward Albee's The Play About the Baby, March 15 April 14, 2002. In this off-beat comedy, the existence of a young couple's baby is called into question by an intruding older couple. Innocence, reality and language are all challenged by this disturbing conflict. Did the young couple actually have a baby or not? Rounding out the season will be the world premiere of Barbra's Wedding by actor-turned-playwright Daniel Stern. Stern, who has starred in films such as "Diner" and "City Slickers," makes his first attempt at playwriting with a comedy about the dangers of being in the spotlight. Jerry Siff's next-door neighbor is Barbra Streisand, and as the Brolin-Streisand wedding day approaches, Jerry must battle the paparazzi as his own marriage is examined by the media. Barbra's Wedding will run May 24-June 23.

All shows are performed at the Plays and Players Theater, located at 1714 Delancey Street. For tickets or more information, call (215) 569-9700 or visit the Philadelphia Theatre Company's website at www.phillytheatreco.com.

— By David Lefkowitz
and Steve Luber