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The first Broadway production of Terrence McNally's "Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune" opens Aug. 8 at the Belasco Theater. Previews begin July 26. Under the auspices of the Araca Group, the two-hander starring Edie Falco and Stanley Tucci had been mentioned as a late-spring entry for the 2001-02 season. The producers pushed back the production to summer 2002 when Falco's "Soprano" sked created a conflict.

"Frankie and Johnny" had its world premiere at the Manhattan Theater Club in 1987.

Dates also have firmed up for the Roundabout's revival "The Boys from Syracuse." Previews begin July 23 with an Aug. 11 opening planned at the American Airlines Theater. The 1937 Rodgers & Hart work has a revised book by Nicky Silver, author of "Pterodactyls" and other comedies.

New Donmar connection

David Mamet's "Boston Marriage" goes to the Public Theater next season. Producers Anita Waxman and Elizabeth Williams had originally talked of a commercial Off Broadway production for the lesbian-themed play, but now are working with the not-for-profit theater on the show's Gotham preem. If all goes well there, "Boston Marriage" would be a likely candidate for commercial transfer. Waxman/Williams Entertainment has a first-look deal with London's Donmar Warehouse, where the Mamet play was staged in 2001.

"We are working very seriously with the Public," Williams acknowledged. Waxman/Williams first joined with the Public on its production of "The Wild Party," followed by its current Broadway outing, "Topdog/Underdog" by Suzan-Lori Parks. Public producer George C. Wolfe helmed both shows.

Karen Kohlhaas directs "Boston Marriage" at the Public; she is associate director of Mamet's staging of "Ricky Jay on the Stem," currently playing at Second Stage.

The Public's 2002-03 season also includes Parks' new play "Fucking A," about an abortionist, and Richard Greenberg's "Take Me Out," about a baseball player who outs himself. Directed by Joe Mantello, the Greenberg play is a co-production with the Donmar, where it opens this summer. Previews for "Take Me Out" at the Public begin Aug. 23.

Dates for "Boston Marriage" and "Fucking A" have not been set.