As a part of its BareBones project, the Lark Theatre will present Ian Cohen's new play, God's Creatures Sept. 23-27 at their Studio space. Lark resident director Steven Williford (Pera Pallas) directs. Set in offices of J.J. Connelley & Sons, Cohen's comedy follows a group of workers caught up in corporate "downsizing" and a series of bizarre events. For example, Lyle in Accounting won't talk to anyone but the electronic woman on his voicemail, while Shirley accidentally summons a hurricane into her Westchester home and ends up in the hospital, guarded by a mysterious young policeman. 19996 runner-up at Michigan's Jewish Ensemble Theatre Spring Festival with his first play, Luna Park, Cohen has also written Going and The Chemistry Club.

Starring in Creatures are Fred Burrell (Inherit the Wind), Helen Hanft, Rom Mathews (Bus Stop), Crystal Chappell ("Guiding Light"), Michael Sabatino ("All My Children") and Vince Viverito ("Sopranos").

BareBones plays are fully-staged with suggestions of set, lighting, costumes and music. After reviewing nearly 600 play submissions, the Lark will also present BareBones productions of A Hole in the Dark by Hilly Hicks (Nov. 11-15) and the Craig Safan-Kirby Tepper musical, Lola: The True Story of Lola Montez (Dec. 9-13).

Tickets are $12 and may be reserved by calling the Lark at (212) 246 2676. The Lark Studio is located at 939 Eighth Avenue between 55th and 56th and on the internet at http://www.larktheatre.org.

-- By Christine Ehren