Tony Torn has joined the cast of John Jahnke's Lola Montez in Bavaria, due to begin performances at HERE in downtown Manhattan Oct. 29, for a run through Nov. 21. Torn was a member of the original New York production when it debuted at the 1998 New York International Fringe Festival but was not expected to appear in the piece's HERE incarnation.

However, when one of the Lola's cast members recently left the show, director and playwright Jahnke recruited Torn.

The son of actor Rip Torn (The Young Man From Atlanta), Tony is a dependable presence in Off-Off-Broadway theatre, having appeared in several Richard Foreman plays, most recently Hotel Paradise. Also featured in the cast of Lola is Christina Campanella.

Jahnke took as his play's inspiration the life of international, 19th century temptress Lola Montez. Montez, prescient in her sense of self invention, claimed she was a Spanish noblewoman and created a sensation across Europe with a provocative stage act called the "Spider Dance." Among her many romantic conquests was King Ludwig I (Torn), whose reign was severely threatened by his relationship with Montez.

Jahnke's highly flamboyant and imaginative brand of theatre is communicated through the titles of his past works, such as La Sainte Courtesane and Beasts of Luxury. Previously based in L.A., Lola is his company's first full New York production. For information, call (212) 647-0202.

-- By Robert Simonson