Salome Jens directs the drama penned by late playwright and screenwriter Leonard Spigelgass. The production will officially open Oct. 23 and run through Dec. 14 at the Pico Playhouse.

The cast also features Ross Benjamin (Jerry), Anya Profumo (Alice), Barbara Minkus (Essie), Fay Kato (Ayako), Tomo Kawaguchi (Noketi) and Edison Park (Eddie).

Press notes for the 1959 work state, "A Jewish widow from Brooklyn, whose only son was killed by the Japanese during World War II, accompanies her daughter on a trip to Japan where her son-in-law is to negotiate a trade agreement. While traveling, she makes the acquaintance of a very traditional Japanese man. Their relationship begins to complicate matters for the trade agreement…and for both families."

Designing the production are Victoria Bellocq (set design), Kent Inasy (lighting design), Danielle Bray (costume design) and Stafford Floyd (sound design).

Paula Prentiss appeared in Broadway's The Norman Conquests and Off-Broadway's Power Plays and As You Like It, the latter for the New York Shakespeare Festival under the direction of Joseph Papp. Her screen appearances include "Where the Boys Are," "Catch-22," "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" and "The Stepford Wives." Sab Shimono originated the role of Ito in the Jerry Herman musical Mame, a role he later reprised in the 1983 revival. He also appeared in the original 1974 production and subsequent Broadway revival of Pacific Overtures. His stage credits also include The Pleasure of His Company, Happy End and The Wash. On film he can be seen in "Presumed Innocent," "Waterworld," "Paradise Road" and "Americanese."

Tickets, priced $35, are available by phoning (800)-838-3006 or by visiting WestCoastJewishTheatre .

The Pico Playhouse is located at 10508 West Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA.