In the play, it's 1997 and, prior to the demolition of the Kansas City Union Railroad Station, Det. Randy Benton is assigned one last inspection. "He discovers Birdie, an escaped 'lunatic' living there since 1933, and the search into his past yields more questions than answers," according to the not-for-profit company devoted to the development of new work.

Adapted by James Glossman from reporter Jim Lehrer's novel, Flying Crows is billed as "a moving story of old friendships, fragmented minds, and how history can often be altered by the smallest of discoveries."

The cast features Anthony Blaha, Reathel Bean (as Old Birdie), Prentiss Benjamin and Dan Domingues (as Benton).

Opening is Feb. 1.

"This is our second production of a piece by these unique collaborators, Jim Lehrer and James Glossman," stated John Pietrowski, artistic director. "The last production, Special Prisoner, generated a good deal of interest, and it's always a treat to hear what Mr. Lehrer is thinking." The creative team includes Bettina Bierly (costume design), Drew Francis (set design), John Wade (lighting design), Jeff Knapp (sound design) and Danielle Constance (production stage manager).

Playwright Glossman has directed at Shadowland Theatre, George Street Playhouse, BoarsHead Theatre, New Jersey Repertory and Playwrights Theatre, where he is also the associate artistic director.

Jim Lehrer is the well-known anchor of "The MacNeil/Lehrer Report" and (its current incarnation) "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer." Lehrer is the author of 16 novels, two memoirs and three plays. His novels include six about a fictional lieutenant governor of Oklahoma; including "The Special Prisoner," about a World War II POW.

Performances take place at Playwrights Theatre, 33 Green Village Road in Madison, NJ.

For more information about Playwrights Theatre, visit www.ptnj.org or call (937) 514-1787.

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Playwrights Theatre is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, professional (Actors' Equity) theatre. Made up of a community of professional playwrights, theatre artists, and arts educators, Playwrights provides opportunities for writers "to develop their works in a nurturing environment and connect with new audiences." Its New Play Development Program "is a multi-step process through which playwrights, theatre artists, and audiences collaborate to bring selected texts from rough draft to finished production." Its Education Programs "introduce students of all ages and backgrounds to the possibilities inherent in thinking and communicating creatively."