MA's Provincetown Repertory Theatre (PRT) opens its production of Lillian Hellman's A Children's Hour without legendary director Jose Quintero, Aug. 29-Sept. 14.

Quintero, who was originally slated to direct the show, was forced to leave the project due to illness. John Handy has been listed as Quintero's replacement.

Quintero is also scheduled to direct O'Neill's A Touch Of The Poet, which he directed the world premiere of in 1977, at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in the summer of 1998. No word yet on the status of that production.

Set in a New England boarding school, The Children's Hour is Hellman's first and most controversial play. The poignant and explosive classic examines the tragic effects of prejudice triggered by a child's accusation that two of her female teachers are lovers.

In the 1950's Quintero gained prominence by directing major revivals of the works of Tennessee Williams and Eugene O'Neill. O'Neill's widow was so impressed with Quintero's staging of The Iceman Cometh, she gave him the rights to direct the world premiere of Long Day's Journey Into Night. The PRT, now in it's third season, is dedicated to bringing quality theatre back to Provincetown, MA -- 80 years after the founding of the renowned Provincetown Players (of which O'Neill was a member).

For reservations or more information (508) 487-0600 or refer to The Provincetown Repertory Theatre in the summer stock listings of Playbill On-Line.

--By Sean McGrath