At the mid-point of its 1997-1998 season, the first under artistic director Sharon Ott, Seattle Repertory Theatre has plenty to crow about.

At its mainstage Bagley Wright Theatre, Le Cirque Invisible with Jean Baptiste Thierree and Victoria Chaplain played to the theatre's highest paid capacity in the past ten seasons.

Meanwhile the company's smaller venue, the intimate Leo Kreielsheimer theatre had a real one two punch with Mary Zimmerman's The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, playing to more than 15,000 people and breaking box office records, followed by Ott's smash staging of A Doll's House which played to 100.47% of capacity during its run.

One particularly successful innovation, and one which makes the Rep much more accessible to younger, non-subscriber audience members, has been a new budget priced ticket program. Patrons under age 25 are offered seats at $10 each, and thus far 5,200 young patrons have bought tickets.

The Seattle Rep launched the 1998 portion of its season last week with Athol Fugard's Valley Song (now through March 14) at the Leo K., with Steven Dietz's new comedy Private Eyes opening this week (In previews; Runs Feb. 4- Feb. 28). For further information call (206) 443-2222. -- By David-Edward Hughes
Seattle Correspondent