With the Sept. 27 first preview of Thou Shalt Not, director choreographer Susan Stroman has attained a landmark distinction as surely the only person to direct and choreograph four shows simultaneously running on Broadway. The other three are The Producers, a smash at the St. James; The Music Man, running at the Neil Simon; and the show which started her winning streak, Contact, still ensconced at the Vivian Beaumont.

Stroman's moment as a four-show gal may, however, be fleeting (only four days long, to be exact). It was recently announced that The Music Man will close Sept. 30 unless the producers' ongoing petition for cast and crew pay concessions comes to fruition, a spokesman said.

Notice to close this-coming Sunday was posted at the Neil Simon Theatre Sept. 25 after meetings between producers and unions failed to agree to concession plan that would cut cast and crew pay to help keep the show afloat during a time of low theatre attendance.

Assuming her remaining three musicals continue to run throughout the season, Stroman will again be able to lay claim to four credits come spring, when Oklahoma! opens at the Gershwin. However, she is only choreographer on that production, with Trevor Nunn sitting in the director's chair.

Simonson