Hollywood's Fountain Theatre is extending critically acclaimed production of Tennessee Williams' Orpheus Descending for a fourth and final time, now playing through Nov 23. The production opened Aug. 1.

Orpheus Descending is currently on the LA Times' "Best Bet" list, and is also a "Critics Choice" for four other LA papers. The production is a part of the Fountain's "Williamsfest", a four-month celebration of the author, which began on June 25 with "Three By Tennessee," a production including three one-acts by the playwright.

The production, about poetic guitar player Val, who stirs things up by arriving in a small Southern town, is directed by Fountain producing director, Simon Levy. It stars award winning Fountain favorite, Karen Kondazian, who received an Ovation nomination for her portrayal of the older woman Val seduces, and actor Cameron Dye as Val. Tracy Middendorf received a nomination for "Best Featured Actress in a Play."

Lighting designer Ken Booth received a nomination for "Best Lighting Design (Smaller Theatre)," and Robert W. Zentis received a nomination for "Best Set Design (Smaller Theatre)."

The extension bumps Fountain's AIDS benefit run of Lonely Planet, by Steven Dietz, to the Matrix theatre in on Melrose in Los Angeles, running Nov. 7-Dec. 22. Orpheus Descending plays Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 7pm. Tickets are $18 22, and can be purchased by calling (213) 663-1525.

-- By Blair Glaser