Toni Press-Coffman's new play will kick off The Women's Project's 2003-2004 season. Performances begin Sept. 30 with an official opening scheduled for Oct. 9. Directed by Loretta Greco, the cast also includes Michele Ammon, Matthew Del Negro and Yetta Gottesman. According to a release, Touch "tells the story of a young astronomer and his vivacious soulmate who have the perfect life together until a random act of violence tears them apart."

The play's creative team comprises Michael Brown (set design), James Vermeulen (lighting design), Jeff Mahshie (costume design) and Robert Kaplowitz (sound design and original music).

Tom Everett Scott, who will play the leading role of Kyle, starred in the Tom Hanks film "That Thing You Do." His other film credits include "An American Werewolf in Paris" and "The Love Letter." Scott was also a regular on TV's "Grace Under Fire" and has played the recurring role of Eric Wyczenski on "ER" since 1994.

Touch will play Tuesday through Saturday evenings at 8 PM with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 3 PM. Tickets, priced at $45, are available by calling (212) 239-6200. The Women's Project Theatre is located in Manhattan at 424 West 55th Street. The theatre's box office will open Sept. 23 at 1 PM.

Founded in 1978 by Julia Miles, The Women's Project and Productions is the nation's preeminent non-profit theatre dedicated to producing and developing new plays by women.