Pittsburgh Public Theater will welcome Marlo Thomas and F. Murray Abraham as stars of the world-premiere play, Paper Doll, about novelist Jacqueline Susann, Nov. 8-Dec. 9, the troupe announced.

Leonard Foglia (Broadway's Master Class) will direct the new work by Mark Hampton and Barbara J. Zitwer. Emmy Award-winner Thomas ("That Girl," Broadway's Social Security) plays Susann, known for the pulpy "Valley of the Dolls," and Academy Award-winner Abraham ("Amadeus") plays her husband, Irving. The starry pair help make Paper Doll the third high-profile production in three seasons at the resident Pennsylvania company. August Wilson's King Hedley II had its world premiere at PPT and the Broadway-bound musical, By Jeeves, had its resident tryout there in early 2001.

The new four-actor play is a behind-the-scenes look at the topsy turvy life of Susann. The recent film, "Isn't She Great" made the same attempt, with Bette Midler as the sassy, outlandish, rags to riches author. Part of the new play is set in Pittsburgh in 1971.

"The world-premiere of Paper Doll continues our goal of producing an exciting mix of classics, great musicals and new plays," said PPT artistic director Ted Pappas, in a statement.

Tickets for Paper Doll range from $28-$50. The PPT season opened Sept. 27 with Medea. For PPT tickets and further information, call (412) 316-1600 or visit the Public's box office at the O'Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Avenue, Downtown.  Tickets and more information are also available at www.ppt.org. — By Kenneth Jones