The MET Theatre, in its 30th anniversary season, will present the Seventh Annual Marathon, the reading of the entire Shakespeare canon produced by Gordy Hoffman. The MET is the only theatre in America that presents a Shakespeare marathon every year.

Ten companies from around L.A. will participate in readings or "workshop guerilla productions," as Hoffman puts it. The dates are Oct 15 through Oct. 18. Admission is free and audience members will be invited to participate in most of the readings (register online at companysmarathon.com). For schedules call (323) 957-1152 or visit info@companysmarathon.com

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The Geffen Playhouse will launch its 2003-2004 season with the West Coast premiere of Stephen Jeffrey's I JUST STOPPED BY TO SEE THE MAN, directed by Randall Arney. Set in the Mississippi Delta in the mid 70s, the play explores the bonds between rock and roll and the blues, between black and white, and between legend and reality. Jeffreys' play centers on a legendary blues man long thought dead, his militant daughter and a British rock star seeking the truth about the man who inspired his career. Sept. 17-Oct. 19 at the Geffen, 10886 Le Conte Ave. in Westwood. Call (310) 208-5454 or visit geffenplayhouse.com

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Jerry Hall stars as Mrs. Robinson in the stage version of THE GRADUATE, opening Oct. 8 at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills for a three-week run through Oct. 26. Hall played the role in London, where Terry Johnson's adaptation of the movie had a successful run last year. THE GRADUATE has also been seen in Toronto and New York. Paul Simon's songs are featured (performed by Simon & Garfunkel), plus original music composed and arranged by Barrington Pheloung.

Presented by Broadway/L.A., THE GRADUATE has sets and costumes by Rob Howell and is produced by John Reid and Sacha Brooks. Call Ticketmaster or (213) 365-3500.