Corners, a new play by David Rabe (Hurlyburly, Sticks and Bones) opens at the Williamstown Theatre Festival's Nikos Stage on Aug. 12 for a run through Aug. 23. Victor Argo, Robert Pastorelli, Christopher Meloni, and Joe Pacheco star. Scott Ellis directs.

In Corners, two friends wander through a dark world of cellular phones, mafioso and street corners. Other Rabe dramas include Streamers and A Question of Mercy.

Pastorelli is best known for his regular role as Candice Bergen's handyman on the sitcom "Murphy Brown." He recently starred in the television series "Cracker." Film credits include Dances with Wolves, Eraser and Michael.

Argo has appeared Off-Broadway in Breaking Legs and in such films as The Funeral, The Bad Lieutenant, The King of New York and Mean Streets.

Meanwhile, on the mainstage, Dana Ivey plays the famous role of Mrs. Malaprop in Roger Rees' production of Sheridan's The Rivals (Aug. 5 16). Also in the impressive cast is Edward Herrmann as Sir Anthony Absolute, Tom Bloom as Lucius O'Trigger, and Kate Burton as Julia Melville. Other roles are filled by John Ellison Conlee, Denis Holmes, Rich Holmes, Deirdre Lovejoy, Mark McKinney, Sandra Shipley, and Jake Weber. Later in the season, Michele Shay will lead the chorus in Carey Perloff's mainstage production of Euripides' Hecuba (Aug. 19-20) starring Olympia Dukakis.

Williamstown Festival tickets are sold at the box office or by calling (413) 597-3400. WTF's 24-hour information line is (413) 597-3399.

-- By Robert Viagas
and Robert Simonson