Chicago's Northlight Theatre has rounded out its upcoming 1998-99 season with something familiar and something out of this world. The familiar is The Old Neighborhood, a play by Chicago native David Mamet. A trio of interrelated one-acts, The Old Neighborhood played on Broadway this past season with a cast featuring Peter Riegert and Patti LuPone. Northlight dates are Mar.17-Apr. 18, 1999.

The otherworldly play is Stuart Spencer's Resident Alien, a comedy about an alien being walking among us. Alien had its premiere at the Actors Theatre of Louisville's Humana Festival this past spring. It will close the Northlight season, running Apr. 28-May 30.

As previously announced, the Northlight season will begin in September with Terrence McNally's Master Class (Sept. 9-Oct. 11). The mounting is expected to star Dixie Carter, who succeeded Zoe Caldwell and Patti LuPone in the role as Maria Callas on Broadway.

Next comes Cowgirls, (Dec. 2-Jan. 3), a revue in the spirit of Always...Patsy Cline, Smoke on the Mountain and Quilters which depicts a classical musical ensemble who, booked into a country western bar, suddenly must teach themselves country music overnight.

February ushers in How I Learned to Drive, (Feb. 3-Mar. 7) Paula Vogel's Off-Broadway triumph Pulitzer Prize winner. For information call (312) 633-1992.

-- By Robert Simonson