The Rattlestick Theatre production of David Van Asselt's thriller The Messenger will close April 16 at the company's downtown New York City theatre. Performances began March 19.

The Messenger lost its star, Daniel Gerrol, in late March when the 1999 Obie Award-winner replaced David Chandler in Jean Marie Besset's What You Get and What You Expect at New York Theatre Workshop, Alan Nebelthau stepped into his role .

Nebelthau appeared on Broadway in Salome and Off-Broadway in Dr. Hero, Mud and The Lesser Magoo. His TV credits include "Guiding Light," "Loving," "One Life To Live" and "Remember WENN."

A surprise package sets off the world of The Messenger, where a bike delivery person's life becomes mysteriously entwined with a department store mogul's and finally culminates in a life-or-death struggle. Van Asselt, artistic director for Rattlestick, is the author of Winning, Dog Daze and A Trip to the Beach.

Also in the cast are Troy Garity and Amy Hart Redford. Picked as one of People's 50 Most Beautiful People of 1998, Garity appeared as his father, Tom Hayden, in the film "Steal This Movie." Redford, a current artist in residence with Mabou Mines, has credits with HBO's "The Sopranos" and NBC's "Wonderland," as well as the plays Who Will Carry the World and Hello and Goodbye. Designing Messenger are David Korins (sets), Anne Marie Wright (costumes), Ed McCarthy (lighting) and Laura Grace Brown (sound).

Tickets are $30. The Rattlestick Theatre (formerly Theatre Off Park) is located at 224 Waverly Place. For information and tickets, call (212) 532-8887.

-- By Christine Ehren