Billy Aronson's Light Years, a comedy about college roommates who "repeatedly find and lose themselves" while on the brink of maturity, begins previews Oct. 11 as part of the Playwrights Horizons 2001 studio season.

Jamie Richards, executive producer of Ensemble Studio Theatre, stages the production at Theatre Three on West 43rd Street while the new PH complex is being constructed on 42nd Street. Official opening is Oct. 21, with performances continuing to Nov. 4.

The cast includes Paul Bartholomew, Ian Reed Kesler, Anne Marie Nest and Sarah Rose. Designers are Narelle Sissons (set), Amela Baksic (costume), Michael Lincoln (lighting) and Laura Grace Brown (sound design).

A one-act version of Light Years was originally presented as part of Ensemble Studio Theatre's Marathon 2000. That version appears in "Best American Short Plays 1999-2000."

Aronson's plays include Night Rules, The Art Room, Dream and Little Red Riding Hood. His is credited with the original concept and additional lyrics for the musical, Rent. Tickets to Light years are $25 ($10 for student rush). Theatre Three is at 311 W. 43rd Street, third floor. For subscription and ticket information, call (212) 279-4200.

— By Kenneth Jones