Rainn Wilson will star in the world-premiere production of Matthew-Lee Erlbach’s “The Doppelganger (An International Farce),” Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced Wednesday.

Wilson is set to play Thomas Irdley/Jimmy, two look-alike businessmen caught up in an African copper deal run amok.

A graduate of New Trier High School in Winnetka, Wilson went on to become a household name after starring in NBC’s “The Office” as Dwight Schrute, the insufferable, and occasionally endearing, authoritarian icon.

“The Doppelganger” will also feature Steppenwolf ensemble members Alana Arenas, Audrey Francis, Ora Jones, Sandra Marquez and James Vincent Meredith, along with Michael Accardo, Whit K. Lee, Andy Nagraj and Karen Rodriguez. Ensemble member Gary Cole will no longer appear in the cast due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict.

Ensemble member Tina Landau, fresh off the Broadway opening of “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical,” is set to direct. With Wilson on board, the production is a likely candidate for a New York transfer.

“The Doppelganger” runs April 5-May 27 in Steppenwolf’s Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. Tickets go on sale 11 a.m. Friday at 312-335-1650 and steppenwolf.org.

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