Alex Lippard directs and Friendly Fire produces. Previews begin Dec. 2. Opening is Dec. 7. Performances continue through Dec. 20.

Daniel J. Travanti, known for his work in "Hill Street Blues" and The Last Word, will star as innkeeper Con Melody opposite Ellen Crawford ("ER," Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?) as his wife Nora, and Tessa Klein (Philadelphia Here I Come!) as his daughter Sara.

The cast of A Touch of the Poet will also feature Steven Boyer (I'm Not Rappaport), Richard Crawford (Gone Missing), Antoinette La Vecchia (String of Pearls), Peter Rogan (The Seafarer), Timothy Smallwood (Ecstasy), Ian Stuart (Copenhagen) and Richard B. Watson (The Devil's Disciple).

Press notes for Poet state "Cornelius (a.k.a. Con) Melody, once a landed gentleman in Ireland, now an innkeeper in America who has fallen upon hard times. He lives in the past, strutting like a peacock in his army officer's uniform from 20 years before, playing the part of the nobleman and treating his wife Nora and daughter Sara with contempt and derision — all to puff up his own sense of pride and importance. When the arrival of a mysterious lady and her son threatens to destroy Con's grand illusion, he makes one last attempt to defend his honor, resulting in a drunken brawl and utter humiliation. Finally forced to confront his true self, Con learns to accept who he really is. Or does he?"

A Touch of the Poet has set design by Michael V. Moore, costume design by Amanda Bujak, lighting design by Miriam Crowe and sound design by Will Pickens.

Tickets, priced $20, are available by phoning (212) 352-3101. The 14th Street Theater is located at 344 East 14th Street.

For additional information, visit www.friendlyfirenyc.org.