Julianne Boyd, the artistic director of the Barrington, directs the production, which will run through Feb. 24 with an official opening Feb. 16. Christopher Trumbo's work is an homage to his father, the legendary screenwriter Dalton Trumbo (1905-1976), who penned "Spartacus," "Roman Holiday," "Exodus," "Papillion" and "Johnny Got His Gun."

The play, according to press notes, is set in 1947 when Dalton Trumbo "stood up to the House Un-American Activities Committee and was thrown into prison and blacklisted as one of the infamous 'Hollywood Ten.' . . . [It is a] fascinating, funny, yet chilling retelling of one man's struggle to defend his freedom, his family and his livelihood during the McCarthy era."

The show's lighting designer is Jeff Davis.

Both actors have previously been seen at the Massachusetts venue: Thom Christopher in A Picasso and Brian Hutchison in Wonder of the World.

Following the Feb. 21 performance, Alan Chartock, president and CEO of WAMC Radio and noted Berkshire Eagle columnist, will host a post-show talkback.

The Barrington season will also include I Am My Own Wife (May 21-June 8), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (June 11-July 12), Richard Greenberg's The Violet Hour, directed by Rob Ruggiero (July 17-Aug. 2), and Noel Coward's Private Lives, directed by Julianne Boyd and starring Christopher Innvar (Aug. 7-24).

The Barrington Stage Company is located at 30 Union Street in Pittsfield, MA. Tickets for Trumbo are available by calling (413) 236-8888 or by visiting www.barringtonstageco.org.