The Flying Karamazov Brothers, the juggling comedy troupe, will workshop their newest production, L'Universe, June 19 at Seattle's A Contemporary Theatre. This production is intended to lead to a world premiere in January 2000 at ACT. ACT Artistic Director Gordon Edelstein directs.

L'Universe, in Karamazov style, will explore the cosmology of the universe, revealing its secrets via action and comic verse. Other Brothers shows have included the music and rhythm piece, Sharps, Flats and Accidentals, and ACT's Room Service.

This Karamazov presentation, however, will not feature the infamous "The Challenge," where the Brothers will juggle any object the audience brings to them. The release notes: "Do not bring bowling balls, dead fish, bags of feathers or other items you wouldn't normally carry in your purse or wallet."

The Flying Karamozovs are Paul Magid (Dmitri), Howard Jay Patterson (Ivan), Michael Preston (Rakitin) and Sam Williams (Smerdyakov).

Tickets ($5) are available by calling the ACT Box Office at (206) 292-7676. A Contemporary Theatre is located at 7th Avenue and Union Street. -- By Christine Ehren