Maggie Max Production's The Word, written and directed by Ian McCulloch began previews Feb. 2 in New York City and will open at the Kraine on Feb. 5. The show runs through Feb. 26.

By way of genuine coincidence, the name of lead character of the play, deejay Tristan Chenoweth, sounds as if it was lifted from that of real life actress Christian Chenoweth. Not so, production sources said. McCulloch had to be informed of the coincidence and briefly considered changing the character's name; he kept it because he liked it so much.

As reported earlier, this first play from author Ian McCulloch is based on the idea that language is power. Playwright McCulloch directs the story of a deejay who rails against what he sees as an omnipresent, but destructive belief system known as "The Word."

Cast for this production includes David Cote, Jack Fitzpatrick, Eleanor Hutchins, Gloria Falzer, Berton Schaeffer, William Peden, Danielle Skraastad and Yuri Skujins.

The production team comprise set design and paintings by Gary Kuschnereit. Original music for The Word is composed [and will be performed] by Matthew O'Neil Nighswander. Tonya Canada serves as producer. Tickets are $12.00 and reservations can be made by calling (212) 539-3076. The Word plays at the Kraine Theater , which is located at 85 East 4th Street (at 2nd Avenue).

-- By Murdoch McBride