Ed Begley, Jr., who created the role of Del in David Mamet's The Cryptogram Off-Broadway, will reprise his performance when L.A.'s Geffen Playhouse mounts that work in repertory with Mamet's The Old Neighborhood. The rotating line-up began Jan. 12, 1999 and runs through Feb. 14. Opening for both plays is Jan. 20, 1999.

Also in the cast for The Cryptogram are Christine Dunford and Will Rothhaar. Begley additionally takes a role in The Old Neighborhood, joining Dennis Boutsikaris (Sight Unseen ), Robin Bartlett (Reckless ) and David Warshofsky. Michael Bloom directs both works.

Taken together, the two plays represent a semi-autobiographical journey into Mamet's life. The aptly-titled Cryptogram concerns the odd relationship between an exasperated mother, her vaguely disturbed child and their neighbor and friend, Del. The episode is widely presumed to be taken from Mamet's childhood.

Neighborhood, meanwhile, is made up of three loosely-connected one-acts, in which the protagonist, Bobby Gould, revisits an old friend, his sister and an old flame. Again, the storylines are somewhat reminiscent of the dramatist's own personal history.

Other Mamet plays include Sexual Perversity in Chicago, Edmond, The Water Engine and Glengarry Glen Ross. The Geffen Playhouse is located at 10886 Le Conte Avenue in Westwood. Ticket prices are $25.00 for previews, and range from $30 to $40 for regular performances. For ticket information please call the Geffen Playhouse Box Office at (310) 208-5454 or TicketMaster (213) 365 3500.

-- By Robert Simonson and Willard Manus