Mark Taper Forum's P.L.A.Y. (Performing for Los Angeles Youth) program will present two plays, the West Coast premiere of The Highest Heaven and the world premiere of Black Butterfly, Jaguar Girl, Pinata Woman and Other Superhero Girls Like Me, on tour in southern California schools this spring. Jose Cruz Gonzalez's The Highest Heaven, directed by Diane Rodriguez, will also be presented in performances open to the public during February and March in Northridge, Los Angeles and Watts.

Black Butterfly, created by Luis Alfaro and Lisa Peterson, based on the writings of Alma Cervantes, Sandra C. Munoz and Marisela Norte and directed by Alfaro, will be presented as part of the prestigious ASSITEJ/USA and Kennedy Center festival and symposium on June 2 in Washington, DC.

In other news, the Taper announced that Amy Lieberman has been named the new casting director for the Center Theatre Group of the Music Center/Los Angeles County Performing Arts Center. Lieberman, a casting agent for two decades, will supervise casting at CTG's two theatres. the Mark Taper Forum and the Ahmanson Theatre, the Taper's new play development programs such as the annual New Work Festival, P.L.A.Y. and the Taper's numerous workshops and readings.

For information on The Highest Heaven call (213) 972-7587. For information regarding Black Butterfly call (213) 972-7587.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent