CHICAGO --The Memory of Water, which will have its American premiere Feb. 15 at Steppenwolf Theatre, is an uncharacteristically quiet play for a company that specializes in pyrotechnical acting and effects.

Memory, written by British actress Shelagh Stephenson, is the story of three sisters, reunited by their mother's death, who discover a bond deeper than kinship.

The play enjoyed an extended run at London's Hampstead Theatre last year. Water is Stephenson's first stage play, though she's penned several award-winning radio plays.

Les Waters, who staged Steppenwolf's critically praised local premiere of Wallace Shawn's The Designated Mourner, directs a cast including Martha Lavey, Rick Snyder, Amy Morton, Mary Beth Fisher, Heather Ehlers and Tim Grimm.

Designing the show are Annie Smart (set), Christine Solger (lighting), Alison Reeds (costumes) and Richard Woodbury (sound). Michele Volansky serves as dramaturg. For tickets ($31.50-$36.50) and information on The Memory of Water at the Steppenwolf mainstage, 1650 North Halsted St., beginning previews Feb. 6 and running to March 29, call (312) 335-1650.

-- By Lawrence Bommer
Chicago Correspondent and David Lefkowitz