Actor Woody Harrelson, seen in 2009, will stage his new play Bullet for Adolf in Toronto this spring. Actor Woody Harrelson, seen in 2009, will stage his new play Bullet for Adolf in Toronto this spring. (Dan Steinberg/Associated Press)

Actor Woody Harrelson will hold auditions in Toronto later this month for his new play, Bullet for Adolf, which will launch in the city in April.

Harrelson co-wrote and directs the production, which begins performances April 19 at the Hart House Theatre.

Bullet For Adolf is a comedy about eight characters who come together in the hot Houston summer of 1983. The title refers to a gun once intended to kill Hitler, which plays a pivotal role in the plot.

Harrelson's friend of almost 30 years, Frankie Hyman, co-wrote the play, which runs through May 7.

The two say the plot was inspired by their financially strapped days working construction together in Houston in the summer of 1983. The eight characters in the play are based on real people but the names have been changed.

"We want audiences to bring an open mind to this raucous frolic into murky waters," Harrelson said Tuesday in a release.

"We debate some important issues, for example race and gender, in what we hope is a provocative and humorous piece. We'd like audiences to take this home and continue the conversation. That is what a great night of theatre encourages for me."

Harrelson directed the play This Is Our Youth in Toronto in the summers of 2003 and 2004, and says "it continues to be my favourite city in North America."

He's presenting Bullet for Adolf with Children At Play Productions, in association with producers Marcello Cabezas, Derrick Chua, Corey Ross of Starvox Entertainment and Hart House Theatre. Casting will take place Feb. 11, 12 and 13.