Warren Leight, who won a 1999 Tony Award for Side Man, returns to the world of jazz in his new play Glimmer, Glimmer and Shine, which opens Jan. 25 at the Mark Taper Forum for a six-week run through March 4. Evan Yionoulis is the director. The only cast member named to date is John Spencer. David Schwimmer, of "Friends" fame, appeared in a Williamstown Theatre Festival production of the play.Glimmer tells the story of Martin and Danny Glimmer, twin brothers who joined with Eddie Shine for a brief but intense period of time forming an all-electric trumpet section in the big band jazz days of the 1950s. Torn apart by the very music and fast-lane lifestyle that once united them, they became estranged for 40 years. The brothers' journey toward reconciliation is chronicled in a succession of playful, touching riffs: scenes that seem to have much in common with the alternately exhilarating and heartbreaking improvisations found in jazz--and life.

Mark Taper Forum is located at 135 N. Grand Ave. For tickets and information call (213) 628-2772. The deaf community should call TDD (213) 680-4017. Tickets are also available on-line at www.TaperAhmanson.com

— By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent