LOS ANGELES -- Ed Harris, Holly Hunter and Amy Madigan are some of the actors taking part in a weekend-long Great Writers Series: Winterlude '98 benefit for the Loretta Theatre, which is nearing completion in Santa Monica.

Harris, Hunter and Madigan, along with playwright Beth Henley, were members of the Met Theatre for many years, but broke away two years ago to form their own company.

Joining them on Loretta's board of directors are Tom Bower, James Gammon, Beth Ruscio and Darrell Larson.

It was Larson who created and directed "The Great Writers of 1991" series at the Met Theatre. It featured actors reading excerpts from top writers and poets, and ran for seven successive seasons.

With this latest edition, produced by Larson, Holly Hunter and Cedering Fox, six programs of readings are offered. Such writers as Walt Whitman, Don Delilo, Anton Chekhov, Daniel Menaker, Donald Barthelme and Jonathan Lethem are represented. Winterlude '98 is being held through Sun. Feb 1 at the Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. Suggested donation is $12. For scheduling and reservations, call (310) 399-5929.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent