Hey Joe, where ya goin' with that gun in your hand?

If the Joe in question is that of Tracy Letts' play, Killer Joe, the answer is nowhere for some time to come.

One of the surprise Off-Broadway hits of the season, Killer Joe continues to endure and, with new cast changes, wants to continue that trend. Beginning previews April 20, (for an official change-over May 2) Seth Ullian (Stomp, "Trainspotting") will play the druggie son Chris and Lori Petty ("A League of Their Own," "Tank Girl") takes the role of Sharla. Fairuza Balk ("Waterboy,""The Craft") will also be leaving the show with Michelle Williams of "Dawson's Creek" coming in as Dottie.

Killer Joe made its Off-Broadway debut October 1998, with Scott Glenn and Amanda Plummer and is the story of a dysfunctional Texas trailer park family: son Chris, who needs quick cash to pay off a drug debt, his father Ansel (Marc A. Nelson) who's in no position to help him; his manipulating step mother (Lori Petty) and his innocent sister Dottie (Michelle Williams). Chris' real mother has stolen the only "assets" he has, leaving him only one way out, until Killer Joe (Paul Dillon) enters the scene.

Dillon ("Austin Powers") originated the title role of Killer Joe in Chicago and came into the New York production when Glenn's contract ran out. Wilson Milam helms the piece, with Greg MacPherson designing the lights, George Xenos (set) and Jana Stauffer (costumes). David Brimmer will serve as fight choreographer.

Killer Joe premiered at the Lab space of Evanston, IL's Next Theatre in 1993. Michael Shannon and Marc Nelson, who appeared in that staging, continue to appear in the NY mounting. Letts' play was staged in New York in 1994 by 29th Street Repertory. Their mounting was directed by Wilson Milam, who directed the original and again stages the Off-Broadway Joe.

For tickets ($37.50-$47.50) or more information on Killer Joe in an open run at the Soho Playhouse on Vandam Street, call (212) 239-6200.

-- By Sean McGrath and David Lefkowitz