Irish playwright Billy Roche will have his U.S. debut when Belfry opens at Chicago's Organic Theatrem Feb. 1. Previews began Jan. 27 for a run through Mar. 7.

The story of Artie, a lonely sacristan who finds love in the arms of a married woman, Belfry is the third play in Roche's "Wexford Trilogy" (the others are A Handful of Stars and Poor Beast in the Rain). Roche, also the author of the film "Trojan Eddie," is a Writer In Association with the Druid Theatre Company, headed by Garry Hynes, Tony Award winning director of The Beauty Queen of Leenane.

Roderick Peeples (a Jeff winner for Dealer's Choice) stars as Artie with Cynthia Judge (Lend Me a Tenor, Steel Magnolias) as Angela. Also in the cast are Jeff Still (Donal), Christopher Gausselin (Father Pat) and Christopher Grobe (Dominic).

The design team includes Kevin Snow (sets), Jack Magaw (lighting), Julie Leavitt (costumes) and Joe Tech Huppert (sound). Scott Cummins choreographed the fight scenes. Tina M. Jach is production stage manager.

Tickets to Belfry are $25-$20 and may be purchased by calling (773) 404-4700. The Organic Theatre Company is located at 2851 N. Halsted Street. -- By Christine Ehren