Legendary founder of the Open Theatre, director Joseph Chaikin, makes his New Haven debut with a staging of Tennessee Williams' classic, The Glass Menagerie at the Yale Rep, March 18-April 10, officially opening March 23.

For nearly a decade, Chaikin headed the most influential experimental group around, The Open Theater (founded in 1963). His work with them garnered six Obie awards for shows including: Viet Rock, The Serpent, Terminal, and Nightwalk. With Sam Shepard, Chaikin has worked on numerous texts including: Tongues, Savage/Love, The War in Heaven, and When the World Was Green.

Chaikin had a stroke in 1984, which drastically changed the focus of his theatrical themes. Several recent Chaikin pieces: Heaven, Struck Dumb, The Traveler, and Night Sky all were, in one way or the other, autobiographical, detailing Chaikin's long recovery process.

The cast boasts Kali Rocha as Laura, Wayne Maugans as Tom and Laura Esterman as Amanda. Jay Snyder is the Gentleman Caller.

Esterman's New York credits include Curtains and Marvin's Room. Designing the Yale Menagerie are Alexander Dodge (sets), Robert Perry (lights), Sarah A. Iams (costumes) and David Budries (sound).

For information call (203) 432-1234.

-- By Sean McGrath