LOS ANGELES -- The Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA. may play host in 1998 to musicals produced by the Music Theatre of Southern California, a 15-year-old company based in San Gabriel, CA. When the refurbished Alex Theatre opened four years ago, musicals were expected to be the programming mainstay at the former Art Deco movie palace. But two different producing organizations -- Theatre Corp. of America and Theater League -- failed to attract large enough audiences to support additional seasons at the Alex, which became a rental site in 1996 and 1997 for visiting productions.

Pending final approval of plans, MTSC will offer four musicals next year at the Alex, including a revival of Phantom by Arthur Kopit and Maury Yeston. Productions will play three weeks at MTSC's home site, the San Gabriel Civic Auditorium, then transfer to the 1450-seat Alex for a week. An expansion to two weeks at the Alex for the 1999-2000 season is a possibility.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent