SOLANA BEACH, CA -- The North Coast Repertory Theatre has chosen Sean Murray to become artistic director of the 18-year-old Solana Beach playhouse.

Founder Olive Blakistone announced her retirement as artistic director in the summer of 1997 and the NCRT board of trustees immediately began a search process for her successor. They made the final decision in late-Dec. 1997.

"Sean was the board's unanimous choice," Blakistone said. "He ranked number one with every member and will begin full-time with NCRT on March 1."

Murray is well known to San Diego area audiences as an actor and director. He recently directed San Diego Rep's A Christmas Carol at the Lyceum.

The current show at NCRT is Tennessee Williams' Summer and Smoke, directed by Joe Powers and starring Lisa Pedace as Alma and Dagmar Fields as Mrs. Winemiller. The theatre is located in the Lomas Santa Fe Plaza, Solana Beach. Summer and Smoke is being performed through Feb. 15. For tickets, call (619) 481-1055 or (888) 776-NCRT.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent