After persistent rumors for over a year, producer Ben Sprecher has announced dates and a star for the Broadway production of John (Agnes of God) Pielmeier's thriller, Voices In The Dark.

When reached April 16, Sprecher told PBOL Judith Ivey has been set for the production which will begin previews July 30 for an Aug. 12, opening. A theater has yet to be announced. Sprecher also confirmed the New York Times's report of the production's "straight play" budget: $1.375 million.

Gates McFadden (of "Star Trek: The Next Generation") had starred in the show's Feb. 1998 bow at New Jersey's George Street Theatre, with a Broadway production originally postponed so McFadden could film a "Next Generation" movie, but plans to bring the actress to Broadway had changed as of late 1998.

The Broadway production will feature the director (Christopher Ashley) and the design team of the show's run at George Street: David Gallo (set), David C. Woolard (costumes) and Donald Holder (lighting).

Dark tells of a radio psychologist trapped with a psycho in a snowed-in house. The play was originally mounted by Pielmeier himself back in October 1994 at Seattle's A Contemporary Theatre. Ivey's Broadway credits include: Bedroom Farce, Piaf, Steaming (Tony and Drama Desk awards), Hurlyburly (Tony and Drama Desk awards), Blithe Spirit, Precious Sons, Park Your Car in Harvard Yard (Tony nomination).

No word yet, on who will complete the cast but, co-starring in the George Street staging was Jonathan Hogan (As Is), John Ahlin, Peter Bartlett, Nicole Fonarow, Larkin Malloy, Robert Petkoff and Charles Wagner IV.

Pielmeier's other works include Willi, which he appeared in at Seattle's ACT in 1991, Steeple Chase, The Boys of Winter and Impassioned Embraces.