As of July 21, the Cider House Rules remain in effect only in Los Angeles. An item in the July 20 issue of Theatrical Index indicated that the Peter Parnell play, which opened at the Mark Taper Forum on July 11, was a likely candidate for Broadway this season. A spokesman at the theatre, however, said there was "no official word" on any Broadway plans for the production.

Adapted by Parnell from John Irving's best-selling 1985 novel, Cider House Rules runs at the Taper through Sept. 27. It's presented in two parts, which are presented on separate evenings during the week or together on weekends in marathons.

The play concerns young Homer Wells, his life in and outside an orphanage, and his father figure, Dr. Larch, who both saves babies and performs abortions.

Cider House was developed over several seasons at the Seattle Repertory and received positive notices. "Anyone who laments the death of storytelling in contemporary drama will cheer the arrival of Cider House Rules," said Variety's Lynn Jacobson. The play won the 1998 American Theatre Critics Association's New Play Award, with the honor presented to Parnell at the Actors Theatre of Louisville.

The L.A. cast features (in alphabetical order) Jillian Armenante, Tom Beyer, Janni Brenn, Jane Carr, Rebecca Chace, Danyon Davis, Josh Hamilton, Kevin Jackson, Edd Key, Casey Lluberes, Dougald Park, Liann Pattison, Myra Platt, Mike Regan, Mark E. Smith, Jayne Taini, Brenda Wehle, Shane West, Patrick Wilson and Michael Winters. For tickets and information on The Cider House Rules at the Mark Taper Forum call (213) 628-2772. The deaf community should call TDD (213) 680 4017.

-- By Robert Simonson
and Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent