Much like Off-Broadway's Signature Theatre, Chicago's Eclipse Theatre Company devotes its entire season to the work of one playwright. This year it was the poetic Jean Cocteau. As decided in a June 29 meeting, the 1998-99 will showcase the works of Tennessee Williams.

Ensemble member Gillian Vigman told Playbill On-Line (June 30) the plays have not yet been decided, but they're likely to be Williams' "smaller, lesser-known pieces." Famous works by Williams include A Streetcar Named Desire, The Glass Menagerie and Cat On a Hot Tin Roof.

Currently, Eclipse is finishing up its Cocteau season with a revival of the artist's best known stage work. Written in 1934, The Infernal Machine is a quasi-mystical exploration of the Oedipus legend of a curious son gone tragically wrong.

Sarah Gabel, associate professor of theatre at Loyola University, directs what we're told is a more mystical, grotesque, irreverent and romantic treatment than Sophocles' famous original.

Previews began June 24 for Machine, which opened June 27 and runs to Aug. 1. Starring are Janet Hayatshahi, Jenny McKnight, Ken Puttbach, Sean Bradley (Oedipus), Jon Collins, Thomas McElroy (Tiresius), Carey McKinnon and Justin Ochonicki. Designing the show are Luis Salces (set), Nat Swift (lighting) and Oscar Groves (Nat Swift). For tickets ($15) and information on The Infernal Machine call (773) 862-7415.

-- By Lawrence Bommer
and David Lefkowitz