Some may know of his art through the Pop Shop which still runs on Lafayette Street in downtown Manhattan, while others may remember his subway chalk drawings on blank billboards back in the early 80s. Either way, the life of artist Keith Haring will now be recalled in musical form as Radiant Baby is added to the Public Theatre's upcoming season. No dates have been set, but the production is scheduled to run 2002-03 under the direction of George C. Wolfe as confirmed by a production spokesperson.

Radiant Baby, which takes its name from one of Haring's most famous drawings, is composed by Jonathan Larson Award winner Debra Barsha with book by Stuart Ross (Forever Plaid) and lyrics by Ira Gasner (The Life), Barsha and Ross.

Based on the 1993 bio of the artist — who rose out of the subway and into fame before dying of AIDS in 1990 — by John Gruen, the musical follows the final years of the artist's evolution to acclaim and his death at the age of 31. The artist, known for his philosophical outlook, said "No matter how long you work, it's always going to end sometime. And there's always going to be things left undone."

For tickets or information on the Public Theatre, visit www.publictheater.org. For more information on the life and philosophy of Keith Haring, visit www.haring.com.

— by Ernio Hernandez