The already sold-out run began March 18 and is slated through May 8 at the downtown venue. Joining Weaver and Lithgow in the cast are Danny Burstein, as Gordon, Mrs. Farnsworth's writing instructor, Kate Benson, Fernando Gambaroni and Tarajia Morrell.

In the comedy, set at a creative writing workshop, the title character Mrs. Farnsworth shares with the class the opening to her in-the-works novel about an old lover. Upon further exploration into the plot, the lover begins to resemble a certain successful Republic from a privileged family.

The piece is directed by Jim Simpson, artistic director of The Flea Theatre and Weaver's husband. Weaver and Simpson have teamed frequently of late, in such plays as The Guys.

Actress Weaver told Playbill On-Line of her hopes the show will transfer to another space, "We can't continue at The Flea. But, it would be wonderful if we could play it more this year... I hope that perhaps we'll be scooped up and put in a small theatre elsewhere, so that we can continue to do the play a while longer." (To read the full interview with Weaver, visit Playbill On-Line's Brief Encounter section or click here.)

For tickets to Mrs. Farnsworth at the Flea Theatre, 41 White Street (located three blocks south of Canal St.), call (212) 352-3101. For more information, visit the website at www.theflea.org.