Terrence McNally's Ganesh, produced at the Odyssey Theatre last year, was nominated in eight different award categories by the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle. The 1998 winners will be announced at a Mar. 15 ceremony at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

South Coast Rep's Private Lives, A Noise Within's Buried Child and the Matrix Theatre's Water Children each received six votes.

Seven shows presented by Center Theatre Group received a total of 12 nominations, more than the total for any other company, edging out A Noise Within's 11 citations.

Ganesh was tapped for production, direction, writing, lead performances (Louise Sorel & Lois Nettleton), lighting design (Lisa Katz), and sound design (Kevin McDaniel).

The 30th annual awards night is open to the public; reservations are available at (323) 656-9407. Nominations for Special Awards will be announced shortly. Watch Playbill On-Line for a complete list of nominees.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent