LOS ANGELES -- Alan Ball, who won an Oscar last year for his "American Beauty" original screenplay, was a playwright before he began writing for Hollywood. On June 8, the MET Theatre revived a 1993 play of his, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, which was first produced by Manhattan Class Co. and published by Dramatists' Play Service. The current Hollywood run proved popular enough to warrant a two-week extension, through July 16.

Ball's other plays are Your Mother's Butt, Made for a Woman and Power Lunch.

Five Women takes place during an ostentatious wedding reception at a Knoxville, Tennessee estate. Five reluctant, identically-clad bridesmaids hide out in an upstairs bedroom, each with her own reason for avoiding the proceedings below. The women are portrayed by Judy Booth, Jennifer Jacobson, Jessie S. Marion, Linda Miller and A.K. Paxton, joined by David Holcomb.

The production is being mounted by 3000 Miles Off-Broadway, a company of New York City expatriates recently relocated to Los Angeles. Willis/Tara Productions co-produces with the MET Theatre, with David P. Moore directing. All profits from ticket sales will be donated to Gilda's Club, the charity providing a variety of support services to those living with cancer and their families. The organization was named in memory of the late comedian Gilda Radner.

MET Theatre is located at 1089 N. Oxford Ave. in Hollywood. For tickets and information call (818) 623- 6607. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent