SAN JOSE, CA -- San Rose Repertory Theatre will kick off its 24th season with NOISES OFF, the backstage farce by Michael (Copenhagen) Frayn, in September. The comedy will be followed by MARY'S WEDDING by Stephen Massicotte; WINTERTIME by Charles L. Mee; A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM by Shakespeare; ROUNDING THIRD by Richard Dresser; NO TIME FOR COMEDY by S.N. Behrman; THE UNDERPANTS by Carl Sternheim, adapted by Steve Martin; and COOKIN' AT THE COOKERY, THE MUSIC & TIMES OF ALBERTA HUNTER starring Anne Duquesnay.

"My season is focused on love, laughter and art," said artistic director Timothy Near. "My thought process is this: is there a place and a time for light comedy on the stage when the world stage is so dark?"

San Jose Repertory Theater is located at 101 Paseo de Santonio. For tickets and information call (408) 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com

BROADWAY LEGEND AT THE AHMANSON

LOS ANGELES -- 42nd STREET, one of the most successful shows in Broadway history (the original production ran for more than eight years), is coming to the Ahmanson, July 9-Aug. 21. The new production won the 2001 Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circlke Award for Best Musical Revival.
       

      
With book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, the musical comedy, with its star-is-born story, spectacular design, slew of song hits, remarkable solo and ensemble dancing, has taken on legendary status.

Featuring such songs as "We're In the Money," "You're Getting to Be a Habit With Me," "Lullaby of Broadway" and "I Only Have Eyes For You," the show is also known for its spectacular title number, which is danced down a flight of steps.
      

       
Mark Bramble directs for the Ahmanson, which is located at l35 N. Grand Ave. Call (213) 628-2772 or visit www.TaperAhmanson.com

AUGUST WILSON'S NEW PLAY OPENS AT TAPER

LOS ANGELES -- The Mark Taper Forum's 36th season will conclude July 31-September 7 with the world-premiere production of August Wilson's new play, GEM OF THE OCEAN. Directed by Marion McClinton, GEM OF THE OCEAN is set in 1904 in Pittsburg's Hill District and deals with Aunt Esther, who is visited by Citizen Barlow, a man who believes he's committed a mortal sin. Aunt Esther gives Citizen a meal, a job and a place to stay--"and sets him on a spiritual journey that leads him on a perilous road to redemption."

This is Wilson's ninth play in a cycle of dramas chronicling the black American experience in the 20th century.

The Taper also announced its 2003-2004 season, which includes plays by Tony Kushner and Suzan-Lori Parks (HOMEBODY/KABUL and TOPDOG/UNDERDOG), the American premiere of Christopher Hampton's THE TALKING CURE, the world premiere of a new musical about jazz, with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by Alan & Marilyn Bergman, book by Larry Gelbart, STONES IN HIS POCKETS, an Irish drama by Marie Jones, and the world premiere of BE BOLD, a play about Salka Viertel by Sybille Pearson, directed by Gordon Davidson.

For further details and tickets call (213) 628-2772 or visit www.TaperAhmanson.com