While The Producers is expected to spend some six months at Los Angeles' Pantages, subscribers to the Ahmanson Theatre's season can bid for the best seats available June 1-Aug. 25, 2003. The Tony-guzzling Mel Brooks musical hit is the centerpiece on the Ahmanson's 2002-2003 schedule, which also features Lily Tomlin in The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe and 42nd Street.

The as-of-yet uncast Producers (Lewis J. Stadlen and Jim Walton have been mentioned for the leads, Max and Leo) begins its run at the Pantages in April 2003. The Lion King, still playing at the 2,700 seat theatre, will close at the end of December in anticipation of The Producers' arrival.

Lily Tomlin, who has continued to perform Jane Wagner's Search after closing a Broadway revival of the one woman show in 2001, returns to Los Angeles for a run May 13-July 6, 2003. Wagner again directs her play, which will open May 21.

Also planned for the season are the national tour of 42nd Street (July 9-Aug. 31, 2003) and bonus engagements of Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk (Jan. 28-Feb. 9, 2003) and Mamma Mia! (Sept. 19-Nov. 3, 2002). A fourth production, a play set for the December 2002 slot, has yet to be announced.

Subscriptions range from $140-$306. To order, call (213) 628-2772. The Ahmanson Theatre is on the web at http://www.TaperAhmanson.com.