Piszel completes casting for the two-hander that concerns the "West, a Manhattan art dealer and a dead horse," according to press notes.

Shepard penned the role of art dealer Hobart Struther especially for Academy Award nominee Rea. Piszel will be seen in the non-speaking role of Young Woman.

A co-production with Ireland's Abbey Theatre, the Shepard play will make its American debut June 25 and officially open July 14 at the Off-Broadway theatre. Originally slated to conclude its limited engagement July 27, Kicking a Dead Horse has been extended an additional two weeks through Aug. 10.

The Public previously presented Shepard's Curse of the Starving Class (1978), Tongues (1979), True West (1980) and Simpatico (1994).

Stephen Rea received an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe nomination for his work in the film "The Crying Game" and a Tony Award nomination for his performance in Someone Who'll Watch Over Me. He began his career at the Abbey Theatre before moving to London. Among Rea's numerous film credits are "Stuck," "Sisters," "Sixty Six," "Till Death," "V for Vendetta," "Breakfast on Pluto," "The River Queen," "The Good Shepherd," "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea," "All Men Are Mortal," "Prêt a Porter," "Interview with a Vampire," "The Doctor and the Devils," "The House," "Company of Wolves," "Loose Connections" and "Angel." Show times are Tuesdays at 7 PM, Wednesdays-Fridays at 8 PM, Saturdays at 2 and 8 PM and Sundays at 3 and 7 PM.

The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street. Tickets will go on sale May 18 by calling (212) 967-7555 or by visiting www.publictheater.org.