Canadian playwright Daniel MacIvor makes his Off-Broadway debut with the opening of his play Never Swim Alone at the Soho Playhouse. It was first produced in the 1999 New York International Fringe Festival. It was later produced in a late night performance series at St. Mark’s Theatre. It started performances Off-Broadway July 6. Its official opening night is July 13.

Never Swim Alone is a comedic yet haunting play about male relationships and rivalry. Thirteen scenarios (or “rounds”) are played out between two male friends. A young woman referees; she holds a key to a dark secret in their past. Their argument mocks the style of a boxing match. They spar verbally and come closer to confronting this horrible event that has haunted them their entire adult lives.

The play is directed by Timothy P. Jones. The two men in the cast are Douglas Dickerman and John Maria. The refereeing woman is Susan O’Connor. Technical staff includes Cathy Braasch (lighting), and Kate Sullivan (set and costumes). The fight direction was done by Ian Marshall.

Daniel MacIvor’s newest play, Monster, recently premiered at P.S. 122. Another play of his is Somewhere I Have Never Traveled. He has acted in several movies and television shows. He was nominated for a Genie Award this year for the movie The Five Senses.

Never Swim Alone plays at the SoHo Playhouse, at 15 Vandam Street. Tickets are $27.50. For further information and reservations, call TeleCharge at (212) 239-6200, or visit their website at www.neverswimalone.com. -- Daniel Fischer