Jack Simmons's one-man show about a father's love for his family, Buddy's Gift, will have its West Coast premiere at the Coronet Theatre, Feb. 10-April 1. Simmons, a stand-up comic, wrote and performs in the show, which played in Long Island at The Stage in April and July of last year.

Simmons's play comes out of personal experience. After the death of his family's loving patriarch, the family experienced startling signs of afterlife communication, validating his continuing presence in their lives today.

Simmons has been working as a comic for eighteen years. He has appeared on HBO, Showtime, "Evening at the Improv" and "Showtime at the Apollo." He is also a professional blues harmonica player.

Buddy's Gift is directed by Candy Kaniecki (Herman), a veteran acting coach who has been teaching audition techniques for more than twenty years at West End Studios. In addition, she has directed a traveling Shakespearean group, along with improv theatre, in Los Angeles. She has taught such performers as Danny Gans, Rosie O'Donnell, George Wallace and Patrick Swayze.

Coronet Theatre is located at 366 N. La Cienaga Blvd. For tickets and information call Ticketmaster or (310) 657- 7377 or visit www.buddysgift.com — By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent