LOS ANGELES--Big Hunk O' Burnin' Love, by Prince Gomolvilas, is the third production of the inaugural season at East West Players in the new David Henry Hwang Theatre. The world premiere production opens July 15 and closes on August 2.

Directed by Chay Yew, resident director of East West Players, Big Hunk O' Burnin' Love is a contemporary screwball comedy about a Thai-American man who must get married by 30 to avoid an unusual family curse.

The cast includes Kelly Coffield ("In Living Color"), Dennis Dun (The Last Emperor), Herri Higuchi, Steve Park (Fargo), Jeanne Sakata and Eric Steinberg.

"This is the first Thai American comedy produced at East West Players," said director Chay Yew. "It addresses age-old Asian issues of race, gender, identity, familial obligation, love and death in a contemporary, hilarious way."

Performances are 8 PM Thursday through Saturday, and 2 PM Saturday and Sunday. There is no matinee on July 18. The David Henry Hwang Theatre is at the Union Center for the Arts, 120 N. Judge John Aiso St., downtown Los Angeles.

Tickets are $27 for orchestra and $22 for balcony. Tickets may be purchased by calling Tele-charge (800) 233-3123. For group rates and senior/student discounts, call (213) 625-7000.

-- By Michael Farkash
Southern California Correspondent