With the Star Trek franchise promising to last well into the 23rd century, perhaps it was time for a musical spoof. The intergalactic goofiness began Feb. 13 when Space Trek: A Musical Parody started previews at the Chelsea Playhouse: 125 West 22 St., New York. Directed by Vincent Sassone and produced by Swingtime Canteen's Joyce M. Sarner, the take-off was written by Marc Lipitz (book) and Rick Crom (songs).

Space Trek: A Musical Parody opened Feb. 16 and features Randy Lake, Jason Hayes, Steven Bishop, Michelle Merring, Shawn Sears, Billy Sharp and Adam Wald. Karen Molnar choreographs, with musical direction by John Bowen.

An open call for understudies for all roles will take place at the theatre, Saturday, Feb. 22, 11 AM, with auditioners encouraged to come in "space inspired clothing" -- including "vulcan ears and space-age jump suits."

Director Sassone has staged and written comedy revues in New York and Los Angeles, including the 6-month run of West Side Stories at Cafe Ariel on Theatre Row.

Space Trek focuses on the out-of-this-world adventures of Captain Slim Quirk of the S.S. Merchandise and his merry musical crew (including Ensign Bambi, Dr. Moans, Lt. Yomama, and Mr. Schlock) as they attempt to save the universe from the nefarious Captain Christian Spike.

Sets for the show are by William F. Moser, costumes by Carol Brys, lighting by Jay Livingston and sound by Kelly Dempsey. Card-carrying Trekkies can proceed without caution, roadmap or glossary. Hopefully this bold adventure will do better than the recent Off-Broadway commercial space-flop, Warp.

For tickets ($20-$25) and information on Space Trek at the Chelsea Playhouse, 125 West 22nd St., through March 9, call (212) 279-4200.

--By Harry Haun and David Lefkowitz