Hugh Leonard's popular family comedy Da ends its run at San Diego's Globe Theatre Aug. 25. Director Richard Seer, who originated the role of Young Charlie in its Tony-winning Broadway run, helms the play, which began performances on the Cassius Carter Stage July 15.

In Da, a young playwright returns home to Ireland to bury his irascible and often irritating father. Back in the house he grew up in, Charlie realizes that his dad, despite his shortcomings, was the best friend he'd ever had. Martin Sheen and Barnard Hughes starred in the 1988 film version. A sequel of sorts, A Life, was recently revived to good notices by Off-Broadway's Irish Repertory Theatre.

Jonathan McMurtry stars as Da with Joel Anderson as Charlie Now. Also in the cast are James Winker as Drumm, Robin Pearson Rose as Mother, Ron Choularton as Oliver, Lauren Thompson as Mrs. Prynne, Jim Parsons as Young Charlie and Tami Mansfield as The Yellow Peril.

Seer heads the University of San Diego's Master of Fine Arts program, which works with the Globe Theatres to give acting students practical experience with a residential theatre. In 2000, he directed Old Wicked Songs on the Cassius Carter Stage.

Designing Da are Robin Sanford Roberts (sets), Charlotte Devaux Shields (costumes). Trevor Norton (lighting) and Kral Mansfield (sound). Raul Moncada is the stage manager. Tickets are $25-$45. The Globe Theatres are located in Balboa Park. For reservations, call (619) 239 2255. The Globe Theatres are on the web at http://www.theglobetheatres.org.

— By Christine Ehren