Ellen" isn't the only one coming out in Los Angeles. May 16-June 1, Sir Ian McKellen will offer his solo show, A Knight Out In Los Angeles at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. McKellen, one of the first major actors to come out of the closet, will speak both of his experiences as an actor on Broadway, the West End and on film; and of his decision to declare openly his homosexuality just before Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 1990. Knight will also make use of McKellen's gift for recitation, and he'll include excerpts from Shakespeare, Armistead Maupin, Tennessee Williams, D.H. Lawrence and Oscar Wilde.

First performed at the Gay Games in Manhattan in 1994, A Knight Out has since played in South Africa and England. All proceeds from the L.A. Engagement will go to benefit GLAAD, UCLA's Ian McKellen Acting Scholarship, the Gay and Lesbian Center Youth Services Department, and other arts programs.

McKellen, who played Richard III in L.A. In 1993, will be directed by Gregory Cooke. The show will have one preview, May 16, and open on May 17. For tickets ($20-$25, except opening night) call (818) 972-4676.

--By David Lefkowitz