Chicago's Goodman Theatre will present the world premiere of Eric Bogosian's Griller, which is scheduled to begin previews on Jan. 9 and open Jan. 19.

Robert Klein and Karen Valentine have been tapped to play the leading roles of baby boomer Gussie and his wife Michelle.The director is Robert Falls, artistic director of the Goodman.

Griller, Bogosian's third full-length play, takes place at a family barbecue marking the 50th birthday of "self-made man" Gussie. The whole family arrives for the party, including Gussie's two sons and his notorious, anarchistic Uncle Tony.

Three-time Obie Award-winner Bogosian is best known for Talk Radio; he starred in both the New York Shakespeare Festival production of that play and in Olivier Stone's subsequent film. Bogosian also wrote the play and screenplay for subUrbia.

1970s comedian Klein is no stranger to the stage; he played a furrier in Wendy Wasserstein's hit Broadway comedy The Sisters Rosensweig and was nominated for a Tony Award for They're Playing Our Song. Valentine, best known for her Emmy-winning role in the TV series "Room 222," has also appeared in several plays over the years, including Breaking Legs. Last season she was seen for a brief time Off-Broadway in The Santaland Diaries. Griller is scheduled to run through Feb. 21 at Goodman Theatre Mainstage, 200 S. Columbus Dr. in Chicago. For tickets, call (312) 443-3800.

-- By Rebecca Paller