Chris McGarry directs the new play at The Public Theatre's Shiva Theatre space — where the troupe is in residence — for a Oct. 26 start. The production will open Nov. 7 for a run slated through Nov. 21.

The cast features Alexis Croucher (girl.), Danny Mastrogiorgio (Contact, Wintertime), Katie Nehra, Melissa Paladino (Vampire Cowboy Trilogy) and Stephen Payne.

Sailor's Song is billed to be "in the tradition of Gene Kelly and Eugene O'Neill," is "an extravagant romantic seaside story decorated with dance in which a cynical man and a true believer battle over beautiful women and the power of love," according to a release.

Scenic design for the production is by Camille Connolly, costumes are by Mimi O'Donnell, lighting by Beverly Emmons and sound design is handled by Elizabeth Rhodes. Barry McNabb provides choreography.

The work is one of three Shanley plays to hit the stage this season — including the new works Danny and the Deep Blue Sea (Second Stage Theatre) and Doubt (Manhattan Theatre Club). The playwright has seen his previous works A Dirty Story, A Winter Party and Where's My Money? produced by LAByrinth. Bronx scribe Shanley's plays include Cellini, Savage in Limbo, the dreamer examines his pillow, Beggars in the House of Plenty, Welcome to the Moon, Four Dogs and a Bone, Italian American Reconciliation, Missing/Kissing and The Big Funk. As a screenwriter, he is known for his "Five Corners" and "Moonstruck."

The LAB season will continue with the world premieres of Stephen Adly Guirgis' The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman (beginning Feb. 8, 2005) and José Rivera's Massacre (Sing to Your Children), directed by Kate Whoriskey (beginning May 3, 2005).

Tickets to Sailor's Song at The Public, 425 Lafayette Street, are available by calling (212) 239-6200. For more information on LAByrinth Theater Company, visit www.labtheater.org .