Danielle Darrieux, one of France's most beloved actresses, is back on stage in a new play by Jean-Claude Sussfeld, called Ma Petite Fille, Mon Amour, directed by Yves Le Moign.

Darrieux started her career in the 1930's and has since then collected impressive film credits, working with directors such as Billy Wilder (for Mauvaise Graine, his first film, shot and produced in France), Anatole Litvak for (Mayerling) and Max Ophuls. Darrieux also starred in the Legrand-Demy musical The Young Girls of Rochefort which contains songs such as "You Must Believe in Spring", now a classic in the cabaret scene.

Darrieux has even performed in two Broadway musicals. She made her Broadway debut in 1970, replacing Katharine Hepburn in Lerner and Previn's musical Coco, based on the life of Mademoiselle Chanel. She then returned to Broadway in 1972, with a leading role in Ambassador, but the show only ran for nine performances.

Although Ma Petite Fille, Mon Amour is a straight play, Darrieux gets to flaunt her vocal talents, singing a sweet lullaby. Darrieux portrays an older woman, living alone with her husband among the memories of their daughter who disappeared 15 years ago at age 17. When a young woman knocks at their door to sell them an encyclopaedia, the old couple starts to think she is their lost daughter. Madness ? Illusions ? Game ?

Of course, Darrieux has quite a huge following among Parisian theatregoers. Her first entrance and her lullaby are especially applauded by the audience. Ma Petite Fille, Mon Amour also stars Jacques Dufilho and Sonia Vollereaux. For tickets and information on Ma Petite Fille, Mon Amour at the Theatre Fontaine, call 331 48 74 74 40. Runs until Apr. 26.

-- By Stephane Ly-Cuong
France Correspondent