Backstage at the 2004 Tony Awards, where he appeared as a presenter, Rubenstein said his recent work in a small Off-Broadway revival of the play was one of the most satisfying experiences of his career. The six-week engagement will last through March 6.

The Peccadillo Theater Company, which dusts off forgotten American plays as its mission, produced Counsellor-at-Law downtown this past spring. The staging, which began May 6, 2004, received a glowing review in the New York Times, prompting the addition of two performances.

The show, directed by Dan Wackerman, stars seasoned Broadway and film actor John Rubenstein (Pippin, Children of a Lesser God, Ragtime).

The play is about cynical attorney George Simon's struggle to avoid disbarment. The Jewish Simon clawed his way out of the slums. Now, he's at the mercy of an anti-Semitic competitor who has a damaging piece of dirt on him.

The work was a considerable success for Rice and its star Paul Muni. It debuted in 1931 and ran for nearly a year. Muni returned to it three times: in 1932, 1933 and 1943. The 1933 film starred John Barrymore, who gave one of his most memorable screen performances.

Rubenstein has played the part before. He won the Drama-Logue and L. A. Drama Critics Circle Awards for his portrayal of George Simon.

The current cast includes D. Michael Berkowitz, Dennis Burke, Mary Carver, Nat Chandler, Corinne Fitamant, Beth Glover, Nell Gwynn, Steven Hack, Jane Lanier, David Lavine, Mark Light-Orr, Lanie MacEwan, Sal Mistretta, Robert O'Gorman, Ginger Rich, Justin Riordan, Tara Sands, Brian N. Taylor and Ashley West.