South Coast Repertory Theatre starts its 1999-2000 season with George Bernard Shaw comedy on marriage, The Philanderer, opening Sept. 10. Performances, which began Sept. 3, continue through Oct. 10. Opening night is sold out.

South Coast Rep producing artistic director David Emmes directs the piece, which tells of Leonard Charteris, a man committed to remaining uncommitted. He is a philosophizing philanderer who believes that only conventional people marry -- advanced people form "charming relationships." But when he meets a self-described "new woman" who belongs only to herself -- and certainly to no man -- he finds he may have met his match -- and perhaps his mate.

Shaw's work has been featured many times at the SCR in such productions as Major Barbara, Heartbreak House, Misalliance, You Never Can Tell, Man and Superman and Arms and the Man.

Featured in Philanderer are Nancy Bell (Julia Craven), Richard Doyle (Colonel Craven), Francois Giroday (Dr. Paramore), Kaitlin Hopkins (Grace), Lynsey McLeod (Sylvia),Jared Slater (Page), Don Took (Cuthbertson) and Douglas Weston (Leonard Charteris).

The design team is John Iacovelli (sets); Walker Hicklin (costumes); Tom Ruzika (lights); Michael Roth (Music & sound); and Carol F. Doran (wigs). Scott Harrison is the stage manager. SCR is located at 655 Town Center Drive. For tickets and information call (714) 708-5555.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent