The rep company A Noise Within has returned to its former home in Glendale's Masonic Temple. After leaving the venue in 1999 for a residency at Cal State L.A.'s Luckman Theatre, A Noise Within broke off relations with the university a year later, citing a breach of contract. The case is now in the courts.

A Noise Within was offered a temporary structure by the city of Glendale in a downtown parking lot, but the company investigated the deal and decided it was impractical. The temporary structure would have cost at least $600,000 -- and the company would have had to leave after two years.

"The costs were going through the roof for things we couldn't take with us, such as a concrete foundation," said artistic co-director Art Manke.

By contrast, the return to the group's former home will cost less than $50,000. A Noise Within, though, will have to complete installation of sprinklers and, as before, pay for utilities, insurance, taxes and other maintenance fees.

A Noise Within will open its spring season with a production of Thornton Wilder's The Skin of Our Teeth. Details TBA. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent