The staging launches the Signature Theatre's 2004-05 season of works devoted to Vogel, the Pulitzer Prize winning playwright of How I Learned to Drive, The Mineola Twins, The Baltimore Waltz and The Long Christmas Ride Home.

"As Ronald Reagan enters the White House, five aging practitioners of the oldest profession are faced with a diminishing clientele, increased competition for their niche market, and aching joints," according to Signature production notes. "With wit, compassion and humor, they struggle to find and learn new tricks as they fight to stay in the Life."

The Oldest Profession has been performed internationally in Mexico, Canada, Czechoslovakia and Poland.

Anita Gillette pulled out of the Signature production due to a family matter. Previews began Aug. 21 and were then delayed to allow time to fit Lopez into the show. Performances continue to Oct. 10 at the Peter Norton Space, 555 W. 42nd Street.

Featured in the cast are Marylouise Burke, Carlin Glynn, Katherine Helmond, Lopez and Joyce Van Patten. Bernard Corbett is music director. Choreography is by Lisa Shriver. Set design is by Narelle Sissons, costumes by Elizabeth Hope Clancy, lights by James Vermeulen and sound design by Darron L. West. The performance schedule for The Oldest Profession is Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 8 PM, with matinees on Saturday and Sundays at 3 PM. For additional information, visit www.signaturetheatre.org or call (212) 244-PLAY.