R & J , Expanded Arts' all male rendition of Shakespeare's classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet , and the longest-running version of that play in New York history, has set a closing date of Jan. 3, 1999. The company had earlier posted a Nov. 29, closing yet extended due to a holiday boost in ticket sales.

R & J tells its familiar story through the musing of four students from a repressive boys school who decide to stage the production for their own enjoyment. The production began life at Expanded Arts' Off-Off Broadway home earlier this season, before transferring to the John Houseman Studio Theatre on 450 W. 42nd St., where it opened on Jan. 22, 1998. The show won the 1998 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Achievement.

For ticket information for Expanded Arts' R & J at the John Houseman Studio Theatre, call (212) 239-6200.

In addition to a national tour, two new resident companies of R & J , in San Francisco and London, have been planned. The San Fran R & J , at the Gateway Theatre, will begin rehearsals Jan. 2, 1999, with previews beginning shortly afterward. The London company will begin rehearsals in March 1999 for an April out-of town opening in North Hampton, prior to its London opening.

Original adaptor/director Joe Calarco will direct both productions. --By Sean McGrath and Robert Simonson