LOS ANGELES -- Philip Sokoloff doesn't have a lead role in Chaim's Love Song , which opens Feb. 21 at Bitter Truth Theatre, but his triple-threat story is worth noting nonetheless. Sokoloff is not only an actor and producer but one of the top publicists in the local theatre world.

"I backed into doing publicity," he said in a phone interview. "After having acted for 20 years, I became a producer in 1989 and did seven shows over the next four years. To save money, I wrote my own releases. When the actors noticed that my stuff got in the papers and drew critics, other companies began to hire me to handle their shows."

Sokoloff plays two different roles in Chaim's Love Song --the stage manager in a Yiddish theatre and an Israeli reporter.

A Sokoloff release describes Chaim's Love Song as "a warm, sentimental comedy with wide appeal for those who appreciate a show with lots of laughs and genuine heart."

Playwright Marvin Chernoff is a Cal State Northridge professor and psychotherapist. Alan Bloomfield, Arnold Weiss and Annie Talbot are featured in Chaim's Love Song , with Austin "Rocky" Kalish directing. A world premiere, the play will run through April 26 at Bitter Truth, 11050 Magnolia Blvd., N. Hollywood, with performances Sat. at 8 PM, Sundays at 4.30 PM.. Tickets are $15, special rates for students, seniors and groups. (818) 755-7900. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent