SAN DIEGO -- Lillian Garrett-Groag's The Magic Fire opens May 29 at the Old Globe for a two-month run. A co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre, the show opened in the Bay Area recently to outstanding audience and critical acclaim.

Set in 1952 Buenos Aires, The Magic Fire tells of Lise Berg and her family of European immigrants exiled to Argentina. Lise, played by Globe associate artist Kandis Chappell, narrates the story, remembering when she was seven years old and the country was gripped with the tragedy of the dying Eva Peron.

Named one of the top ten plays of 1998 by Time Magazine, The Magic Fire was called "a lyrical love letter to a close-knit family, as well as a reflection on how the nature of nostalgia can alter memories."

Garrett-Groag is an actress, director and playwright. Her drama, The White Rose, had its world premiere at the Globe in 1991.

The cast includes Chappell, Judith-Marie Bergan, Charles Dean, Sharon Lockwood, Katherine McGrath, Barbara Oliver, Charles Shaw, Mary Stark, Deborah Taylor, Peter Van Norden and James R. Winker. The role of young Lise will be played alternately by Marcelle Avital and Alyze Rozsnyai. The production team includes Jack O'Brien, director; Ralph Funicello, sets; Anna R. Oliver, costumes; Ashley York Kennedy, lights; Jeff Ladman, sound; and D. Adams, stage manager.

Call (619) 239-2255.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent