Last year we learned, courtesy of writers Kimberly Peirce [sic] and Andy Bienen, that "Boys Don't Cry." Now, courtesy of playwright Brian Belovitch's new play opening Off Broadway Oct. 22 at the Players Theatre, we also learn that Boys Don't Wear Lipstick.

In a somewhat reversal of the Brandon/ Teena story, Boys Don't Wear Lipstick focuses on the life of Brian, who journeys through boyhood, womanhood, and eventually manhood. At age 15, Brian decided that he was supposed to be a woman. So with a little help from modern medicine Brian turned into Tish. But when Tish's marriage and subsequent career as a model-singer both failed, she became a prostitute. Then, after years in that lifestyle, she finally decided to get out, and become the one thing she never was, Brian.

Brian Belovitch stars in the one-man/woman show he wrote under the direction of Keith Greer. Costume design is by David Woolard, sets by Scott Pask, lights by James Vermeulen, and sound by Robert Murphy. The production also features projections by Elaine J. McCarthy and the voices of Everett Quinton, Roberta Reardon, and Mary L. Testa.

Performances began Oct. 6 for this open-ended run at the Players Theatre, 115 Macdougal Street (near Minetta Lane). Tickets are available through Telecharge at (212) 239-6200.

-- by Ernio Hernandez