Producer Alexander H. Cohen, who is currently spinning tales of 57 years in the theatre in his one-man Off-Broadway show, Star Billing , has plans to stage a Noel Coward play on Broadway in 1999. The production would coincide with the centennial of the English playwright, songwriter and wit, who was born in 1899.

Cohen declined to name the play in question. "I have selected it but I'm not prepared to talk about it," he told Playbill On-Line. However, the producer appeared on a local TV show in New York last week and said the Coward play will be Waiting In The Wings.

Coward is the author of such works as Waiting in the Wings, Private Lives, Hay Fever, Present Laughter, Design for Living and The Vortex.

Meanwhile, Cohen will keep busy at the Douglas Fairbanks Theatre. Star Billing has been extended until Jan. 4, 1999. The show plays two nights weekly. It began previews on Oct. 26, for an official Nov. 9 opening.

In the show, Cohen reflects on his theatrical successes (including Richard Burton's Hamlet, John Gielgud's School for Scandal, Harold Pinter's The Homecoming ), his inevitable flops, as well as some of the infamous feuds he's had over the years, with names like Jerry Lewis, Marlene Dietrich, and the Shuberts. The 78-year old Cohen began his producing career 57 years ago. Angel Street, his first notable credit, opened in 1941. Cohen also produced the televised Tony Awards for 20 years, as well as three "Night of 100 Stars" specials. He has received countless awards including a Tony, Emmy, Oscar, Theatre World's Showman of the Year, The Shubert Foundation Award and numerous others.

For tickets ($20) or more information on Alexander H. Cohen's Star Billing at The Douglas Fairbanks Theatre, call (212) 239-6200.

-- By Robert Simonson and Sean McGrath