LOS ANGELES -- Artistic director Nancy Cheryll Davis has announced that the Towne Street Theatre is the recipient of a grant from the Toyota Corporate Contributions Committee -- which is composed of 11 associates of Toyota Motor Sales, USA Inc. who invest in the community a total of $240,000, with grants of up to $5,000.

The sum awarded to Towne Street Theatre is to support the organization's productions and educational courses on the arts.

Now in its fifth season, the TST will reopen its NAACP Award-winning production of Passing on Feb. 21, in conjunction with Black History Month.

Passing takes place in 1927 during the Harlem Renaissance and follows the fortunes of two beautiful women who are "pale" enough to pass as white.

Based on Nella Larsen's 1929 novel of the same name, Passing was adapted by Sheri Bailey and stars Davis. Sy Richardson is the director. The TST's mission is to produce original plays by Los Angeles playwrights, with an emphasis on plays by women and people of color. Performances of Passing continue through Mar. 29 at the Towne Street Theatre, 799 S. Towne Ave, Suite 301, Bel Ami Studios in downtown L.A.'s fashion district. For information, call (213) 624- 4796.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent