The New Conservatory Theatre Center will present the West Coast premiere of Reggie Cheong-Lee's The Nanjing Race April 10-May 2. Originally set to begin performances two weeks earlier, Nanjing Race was delayed after The Lisbon Traviata extended its run.

The Nanjing Race is the story of a gay Japanese-American metals trader in Asia who meets two valets, one desperate to leave the country and one obsessed with the historical injustices. The Japanese American falls in love with one and uses the other, clashing with the both over race, homosexuality and ambition.

Race had its world premiere at New Jersey's McCarter Theatre in January 1994 and won Best New Regional Play of 1994 by the American Critics' Association. Other works by Cheong-Lee include the musical Cut Sleeves, Squeeze and Stone, Paper, Scissors.

NCTC Resident Director Arturo Catricala directs. Other credits include NCTC's Comfort and Joy, Like a Vampire and The Lisbon Traviata.

Tickets ($20-$12) are available by calling the box office at (415) 861 8972. The New Conservatory Theatre Center is located at 25 Van Ness Avenue. -- By Christine Ehren