(PITTSFIELD, Mass.) – “Dancing Lessons,” the new romantic comedy by playwright and BSC associate artist Mark St. Germain, receives its world premiere at Barrington Stage Company (BSC) from Thursday, August 7, 2014, through Sunday, August 24. Directed by Barrington Stage artistic director Julianne Boyd, “Dancing Lessons” stars John Cariani and Paige Davis. The play centers on a young man (Cariani) with high-functioning autism (Asperger’s syndrome), seeking the instruction of a Broadway dancer (Davis), now sidelined with injuries. As their relationship unfolds, they’re caught off-guard by the surprising discoveries – both hilarious and heartwarming – that they make about each other.

John Cariani made his BSC debut as ‘Dogberry’ in last summer’s Much Ado About Nothing. Cariani is also the playwright of the popular play Almost, Maine and recently starred in the play’s Off-Broadway revival. Paige Davis (Broadway’s Chicago and TV’s “Trading Spaces”) makes her BSC debut.

“Dancing Lessons” marks the ninth play by Associate Artist Mark St. Germain that BSC will produce, and the eighth world premiere of his work. Barrington Stage presented a staged reading of Dancing Lessons in September 2013.

During the run of Dancing Lessons, BSC will engage audiences through special discussions on Asperger’s and Autism Spectrum conducted in partnership with community organizations such as the College Internship Program, whose main office is in Pittsfield, Mass.

Dancing Lessons will be presented at Barrington Stage Company’s Boyd-Quinson Mainstage (30 Union Street, Pittsfield). Performance times are Tues/Wed at 7pm; Thurs-Sat at 8pm; Sun at 5pm; Wed/Fri matinees at 2pm (excluding Aug. 8 & 13) Tickets start at $20; Low Priced Previews Aug. 7-9 are $15 & $20.

Barrington Stage will hold its popular Conversations With… series on August 10 at 3pm, with “Myths and Misconceptions about Asperger’s” with Michael McManmon, founder of the College Internship Program, a comprehensive program preparing young adults on the autism spectrum for success, and Michael Forbes Wilcox, Commissioner, Massachusetts Special Commission Relative to Autism. Moderated by Mark St. Germain, playwright of Dancing Lessons. While all Conversations With… events are free, reservations are highly recommended. All seating is general admission. Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield. (413) 236-8888.

Barrington Stage will host a Sensory-Friendly Performance of “Dancing Lessons” on Saturday, August 16 at 2pm. Tickets: $20 adults; $15 youth ages 6-18.  For more information, call the Barrington Stage Box Office at 413-236-8888 (or toll-free at 855-TIX-2BSC) or visit Barrington Stage Company (BSC).