San Diego's Old Globe Theatre artistic director Jack O'Brien has announced the six productions for the Globe's Festival '99. In the Old Globe Theatre: Cymbeline by William Shakespeare, directed by Daniel Sullivan (July 31-Sept 4); The Hostage by Brendan Behan, directed by Jack O'Brien (Sept. 25-Oct. 30).

In the Cassius Carter Centre Stage: Missing Footage by Gen LeRoy, directed by Tony Walton (July 24-Sept.4).

In the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre: Thunder Knocking on the Door, written and directed by Keith Glover, music and lyrics by Keb' Mo', additional music and lyrics by Glover and Anderson Edwards (July 10-Aug. 14); The Merry Wives of Windsor by Shakespeare, directed by Roger Rees (Sept. 4-Oct. 9).

Sullivan recently piloted another high-profile L.A. project: the Geffen Playhouse staging of Hedda Gabler starring Annette Bening. Famed set designer Walton only recently began dabbling in directing, mounting production of classics by Wilde and Shaw at New York's Irish Rep.

The Merry Wives will be the second Shakespeare this year for Rees, who is also helming The Taming of the Shrew at MA's Williamstown Theatre Festival. A second production in the Cassius Carter will be announced at a later date.

Subscriptions for Festival '99 are now available in four- or-six play packages. For more information call (619) 239-2255.

-- By Willard Manus