The Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., will give birth to Lisa Loomer's world-premiere examination of infertility and the babymaking industry, Expecting Isabel, Oct. 7. The official opening follows previews Oct. 2-6.

Arena director-in-residence Douglas C. Wager stages the drama, about a 30ish Manhattan couple and their quest to have a child. It plays in the 500-seat Kreeger Theatre through Nov. 22.

Arena veteran Ellen Karas plays Miranda, and John Ottavino, making his Arena debut, is Nick. In multiple roles are Eileen Galindo, Rondi Reed, Marc Odets, Brigid Cleary, Mary Fortuna and Nick Olcott. Designers are Thomas Lynch (sets), David C. Woolard (costumes) and Allen Lee Hughes (lighting).

Loomer is best known for her prickly comedy-drama, The Waiting Room, a hit at the Arena in 1995, about three women from different time periods waiting to see the same doctor for diffrent ailments. That play was a favorite of the American Theatre Critics Association, which cited Waiting Room following its premiere at Mark Taper Forum in the 1994-95 season.

The Arena Stage in the Kreeger Theatre is at 1101 6th Street SW in Washington. Tickets are $24-$45. Call (202) 488-3300 for information. -- By Kenneth Jones