After staging the world premiere of Matthew Spangler's adaptation of the work at the San Jose Repertory Theatre last spring, Arizona Theatre Company artistic director David Ira Goldstein again helms the production that plays Tucson through Oct. 3. The Kite Runner will later play Phoenix Oct. 8-25.

Barzin Akhavan (Arabian Nights at Berkeley Rep), who originated the role of Amir in the world premiere, returns for the ATC staging that also features Lowell Abellon (Evil Dead) as Hassan.

The two portray young boys growing up in the same household in Afghanistan. "When the innocence of the boys' childhood is confronted with the brutality of prejudice and hate," press notes state, "Amir begins a journey of self discovery and enlightenment. His journey will take him on a perilous journey to a new home in America. But a cry for help from on old friend calls him back to Afghanistan, where fate and global politics threaten his ability to make amends for his past."

The cast also features Thomas Fiscella, Gregor Paslawsky, James Saba, Rinabeth Apostol, Craig Piaget, Zarif Kabier Sadiqi, Lani Carissa Wong, Wahab Shayek, Remi Sandri, Korken Alexander and Tabla player Salar Nader.

The design team includes Vicki Smith (scenic design), Kish Finnegan (costume design), David Lee Cuthbert (lighting and projection design), Scott W. Edwards (sound design), Humaira Ghilzai (cultural consultant), Ken Merckx (fight director) and Lisa Anne Porter (dialect coach). Tucson performances take place at the Temple of Music and Art (330 S. Scott Avenue); call the box office at (520) 622-2823. Phoenix performances take place at the Herberger Theater Center (222 E. Monroe Street); call the box office at (602) 256-6995.

Visit www.arizonatheatre.org for more information.