Will Frears (Where We're Born, Omnium Gatherum) directs the new vaudevillian comedy which began at the Manhattan stage March 23 for a run slated through April 24.

Following a workshop at the 2004 Rattlestick Exposure Festival, the show billed as a political satire "in the vain of Urinetown and Avenue Q, only one step further" will get its world premiere.

God Hates the Irish follows the story of an armless Northern Ireland man whose life with his mother is turned upside-down when the police accuse her of killing his father. As he journeys to exotic lands, he discovers love, alcohol and racism en route to finding himself.

The cast includes Lisa Altomare, Remy Auberjonois, Anne Bobby, Anna Camp, James A. Stephens and William Thompson. The design team features Robin Vest (set), Camille Benda (costumes) and Matt Richards (lighting). Carmen I. Abrazado serves as production stage manager.

Director Mike Nichols ("Angels in America," Spamalot) has personally endorsed the work, saying "This is theatre as it should be: daring, subversive and violently funny." Next up at the Rattlestick will be Craig Lucas' new adaptation of August Strindberg's Miss Julie starring actress Marin Hinkle ("Once and Again"). Anders Cato directs the show set for a May 10-June 9 at the downtown venue with an opening scheduled for May 19.

Tickets to God Hates the Irish and Miss Julie at the Rattlestick Theatre, 224 Waverly Place, are available be calling (212) 868-4444. For more information, visit the Rattlestick website at www.rattlestick.org.