An American premiere will cap the 22nd season at PA's Philadelphia Theatre Company. Naomi Wallace's adaptation of William Wharton's novel, Birdy, runs May 29-June 28.

As with the Alan Parker film, Birdy is set in Philadelphia, just after World War II. Moving freely between the present and the past, it examines the friendship between the sensitive Birdy, obsessed with birds, and Al, obsessed with body-building, and their struggle with identity in an unaccepting, rigid society.

Kevin Knight, who directed the acclaimed London premiere of Birdy, directs again at PTC. Wallace's previous plays include One Flea Spare, Slaughter City, In the Heart of America and The War Boys.

Cory Shafer, who plays Young Birdy in the show, wrote to Playbill On-Line (May 12) and noted that the Philadelphia production was being eyed for "bigger things," much the way Bunny Bunny and Master Class were.

Co-starring with Shafer are Marcus Chait (Older Birdy), Paul Dawson (Young Al), Jason Field (Older Al), William Perry and Teagle F. Bougere. For subscriptions or more information on Philadelphia Theatre Company productions, call (215) 568-1920.

-- By David Lefkowitz
and Laura MacDonald