The York Theatre Company in Manhattan has delayed the first preview of its surreal journey through the mind of a postcard collector yet another day, to April 14, to allow the developing new work more time to gel.

The first preview of the new musical, Postcards on Parade, was skedded for April 11, got bumped to April 13, and is now expected to dawn April 14, according to a spokesman.

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To cope with loss, the world premiere's postcard collector (technically, a "deltiologist") creates a fantastic musical journey in which two couples "romp through fact and fantasy in a cross country tour where postcards come to life."

Book and lyrics are by the poet Kenward Elmslie and music is by Steven Taylor, formerly of the pop group, The Fuggs. Elmslie previously penned a Broadway musical stage version of The Grass Harp, drawing from Truman Capote's story. In the final years of John LaTouche's life, Elmslie was the lyricist's "significant other," according to a Playbill bio. He has also penned libretti for six operas. Postcards on Parade is directed by Clayton Phillips (a Hal Prince protégé who staged Kiss of the Spider Woman abroad) and features Jennifer Allen (Cats, Little Me), John Hillner (Footloose), Mark Lotito (The Most Happy Fella) and Randy Redd (Parade, By Jeeves).

Songs in the new tuner include "It's a Good Life," "Busy Correspondence Card," "P-P-P-Pain," "King Kong Stan," "Paradise of Beauty," "One Day at a Time," "Take Me Away, Roy Rogers."

Andy Blankenbuehler, a dancer featured in Fosse and Saturday Night Fever, choreographs. Designers are York artistic director James Morgan (set), Mary Jo Dondlinger (lighting), Lynn Bowling (costumes) and Michael Clark (projections). Musical direction and arrangements are by Jack Aaronson.

Official opening is April 27, with performances continuing to May 21.

Tickets are $40-$45. The York Theatre Company presents in The Theatre at Saint Peter's in the Citicorp Center, 619 Lexington Ave. at 54th Street. For information, call (212) 239-6200.

-- By Kenneth Jones