The late night performance series Red Nights will add two pieces in January: the 1999 Fringe comedy, Hotel California and Ron Stroman's poem-drama, The Serpent's Sermon. California begins a Friday night run Jan. 7-March 3. Performing Saturdays, Sermon begins an open run Jan. 8. Richard Harrington and Chris Kauffman trade in killing for cabaret in Hotel California, a twisted tribute to Eagles member Don Henley. The piece ran Aug. 19-28 at the Red Room as a part of New York's 1999 International Fringe Festival. Hotel California does feature a performance of the famous Eagles song, albeit in a French accent and with a mime. Why? This two-man comedy is the story of Gustave Flaubert (no relation to the author), a Belgian mercenary who trades in his life of murder in Colombia for a cabaret featuring mime, accordion music, a geography quiz and lots of songs.

An autobiographical tale of a black man facing life in the 80's after the freedom of the 70's, The Serpent's Sermon traces the history of Stroman in rhyming poetry, from the "drug war casualty" who comes from addiction to waiting tables to hiding from reality.

Tickets for both shows are $12 and available by calling (212) 777-6088. St. Mark's Theater is located at 94 St. Mark's Place.

-- By Christine Ehren