Steppenwolf Theatre Company member Anna D. Shapiro directs the San Francisco staging slated to open at the company's Geary Theater May 3 for a run through May 28.

A son discovers that he is one of a number of clones produced by his father in the work by the author of Top Girls and Cloud Nine. The play made its world premiere at London's Royal Court Theatre with Michael Gambon and Daniel Craig then came stateside to Off-Broadway's New York Theatre Workshop with Sam Shepard and Dallas Roberts.

A.C.T. newcomer Charles is known for his film work in "Hairspray," "Dead Poets Society," and television stint in "Sports Night," but has trod the boards recently in Off Broadway's The Distance From Here and Steppenwolf's The Well Appointed Room.

Also a new face to A.C.T., Smitrovich played the patriarch on TV's "Life Goes On." The actor, who portrays A Number's mysterious father figure, has appeared in the films "Independence Day," "Thirteen Days," "Air Force One" and featured on such TV shows as "24" and "Without A Trace." His stage credits include The American Clock, Far East and Frankie & Johnny at the Claire de Lune.

The design team for A Number includes David Korins (set), Russell H. Champa (lights), Callie Floor (costumes) with Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen (sound). Tickets for A Number can be purchased at the Geary Theater, 405 Geary Street, by phone at (415) 749-2228 or online at A.C.T.'s website www.act-sf.org.