The hit musical Rent will open a 16-week stand at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles Sept. 16, 1997 after its West Coast premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in La Jolla, CA. The production will then embark on a national tour, according to spokesman Josh Ellis.

Rent director Michael Greif will repeat his Obie-winning direction of Jonathan Larson's alternative-rock retelling of the La Boheme story.

Greif is artistic director of La Jolla, where she show will run July 1 - Aug. 31, then transfer in toto to the Ahmanson. A Boston production opened in November, 1996.

Ellis said the production will be cast in February and March. He said he's not sure where auditions will be held.

Tickets for the Ahmanson run are not yet on sale. For information, call (213) 628-2772. Ticket prices have not been announced, but the Ahmanson is charging a $75 top for its current production, the musical Show Boat. Tickets to the La Jolla Rent can be purchased only as part of a six play 1996-97 La Jolla season subscription. Subscribers will be able to buy additional single tickets in early spring, prior to public sale, which begin at noon March 31, 1997. To buy subscriptions, call (619) 550-1010.

-- By Robert Viagas