Michael Ondaatje, author of "The English Patient," has contributed The Collected Works of Billy the Kid to the La Jolla Playhouse's 2001-02 season and May 28, he'll give a little something extra. The best-selling author will read excerpts from his works alongside his writer wife, Linda Spalding, 7 PM at the La Jolla Playhouse.

The Collected Works of Billy the Kid, running June 12-July 15 at the Playhouse, puts together the true details in the life of famed Wild West outlaw William H. Bonney, aka Billy the Kid. On his final night, Billy tells of the men he's murdered and the women he's loved as he awaits the coming of the man sent to kill him.

La Jolla artistic director McAnuff will compose the drama's score and co-direct with Kate Whoriskey (the upcoming Regina Taylor world premiere Drowning Crow). Billy the Kid opens June. 17.

Ondaatje is best known for "The English Patient," subsequently made into the Oscar-winning film. HIs best-selling novels include "Anil's Ghost," "In the Skin of the Lion" and "Coming Through Slaughter." Spalding penned "two and a half books" according to her bio, "Daughters of Captain Cook," The Paper Wife" and "Mere," co-written with Esta Spalding. She and Ondaatje edit the literary journal Brick.

Tickets are free, but must be reserved by calling (858) 550-1010 or by visiting the La Jolla Playhouse website at http://www.lajollaplayhouse.com. — By Christine Ehren