Lynn Redgrave had to cancel her world premiere production of The Mandrake Root at Seattle's Intiman Theatre because of a scheduling conflict; the theatre, however, has found a replacement: Eugene Ionesco's The Chairs. The self-described "tragic farce" runs in the Aug. 11 Sept. 9 slot on the mainstage.

Recently revived with success on Broadway, The Chairs, an experimental piece in 1952, follows an old man and woman as they pass on their life experiences to a growing number of empty chairs. A classic absurdist, Ionesco authored The Bald Soprano, The Lesson and Rhinoceros.

Kate Whoriskey will direct. No cast has been named.

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Seattle's Intiman Theatre, now under the artistic direction of Barlett Sher (Waste), has also added the final selection to its 2000 season: Michele Lowe's female revenge comedy, The Smell of the Kill (July 7-Aug. 5). Developed at Cleveland Playhouse, Kill finds three wives with a dilemma -- their not-quite-dream men have been accidentally locked in a meat freezer. Optioned for a New York run, the play will run third in the Intiman season.

Already announced for the theatre's season are the Seattle premiere of Conor McPherson's The Weir (Sept. 15-Oct. 14), Shakespeare's dark comedy Measure for Measure (Oct. 20-Nov. 18) and the annual Christmastime presentation of Langston Hughes' Black Nativity (Nov. 25-Dec. 24).

Season tickets for the Intiman ($204-$60) are available by calling the box office at (206) 269-1900.

-- By Christine Ehren