James Edwin Parker's last play, 2 Boys In A Bed On A Cold Winter's Night, helped put Rattlestick Productions on the map as an Off-Broadway theatre company. Now, Parker's back with a new comedy/drama,...and the pursuit of happiness [sic], a "Candide-like" adventure tracing its protagonist from the rural Midwest through Stonewall and the gay rights movement, into the 21st century. Beginning previews Dec. 4, happiness opens Dec. 7 and run to Jan. 11.

Parker's happiness is directed by Julian Woolford and stars Andrew Allis, Elizabeth Bove, Michael Curry, Isabel Keating, Eric Paeper and Charlie Schroeder. Designing the show are Van Santvoord (sets), Laura Brys (costumes) and Chad McArver (lighting).

Asked about the play, Rattlestick resident designer Santvoord told Playbill On-Line (Dec. 3), "It's a big, epic play, so the set is a fairly simple unit set, no furniture. We have 34 scenes and 60 characters, so things move very fast. The play really gives a historical perspective on the times, specifically as far as music, styles and political attitudes over a 25 year period."

Previously this season, Rattlestick staged A Pirate's Lullaby and Athol Fugard's Hello And Goodbye. Their next production will be a play by Anthony Mingella.

For tickets ($15) and information on ...and the pursuit of happiness at the Theatre Off Park, 224 Waverly Place, call (212) 627-2556.

-- By David Lefkowitz