"Shining City," by Irish playwright Conor McPherson, opens October 3 in the Judy Bayley Theatre at UNLV as the first Main Stage Season show in the Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV 2008-2009 Season.

The play, set in contemporary middle class Dublin, deals with a former priest-turned-therapist, and his patient, who recently lost his wife in a car accident. Both men are working through the ghosts of their pasts - Ian with his loss of faith, and John with the loss of his wife.

Due to the language and subject matter, Shining City is intended for mature audiences only.

Clarence Gilyard, costar for 13 years on Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger, is Ian and guest artist Richard Leighton is John. Leighton has New York, off-Broadway, regional theatre, and film credits. The cast also includes Katie Mazzola and Eddie Mullaney.

NCT artistic director, Robert Brewer, directs the production. The set is designed by guest artist Shoko Kambara, with costumes by Katrina Hertfelder, and lighting by Jamie Lofthouse.

Performances are October 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. with matinees at 2 p.m. on October 5 and 12. Tickets are $20, $25 and $30, and on sale at the Performing Arts Center Box Office. Special Group Rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The box office may be reached by calling 895-ARTS (2787).