It's taken thirty years, but Jim Inman's comedy, Appearances to the Contrary, will finally make its world premiere Oct. 12 at Los Angeles' Gascon Center Theatre. Susan Clark assays the lead role, that of a 40 something closeted lesbian literary agent.

Clark starred on the TV series "Webster" as Katherine Calder-Young Papadapolis. An Emmy winner for 1975's "Babe," she was nominated for the 1976 TV special, "Amelia Earhart." Other recent work includes playing Tonya Harding's mother LaVona in "Tonya & Nancy: The Inside Story" and Elizabeth Murray on the TV series "Emily of New Moon."

In Appearances to the Contrary, four characters - the aforementioned agent, a quite attorney, an insecure, but sexually attractive playwright and a beautiful woman - slowly disintegrate in the course of an evening, revealing more truths about themselves than they intend. Inman is the author of One Weekend Night at Only's, Direct Communication, Sweet Talk and A Couple of Turns Around the Block.

Gerald Castillo, L.A. Drama Critics award winner for The Goldfish Bowl, directs. Along with Clark, his cast features Benjamin Burdick (TV's "Born Free"), Precious Chong and Jay Richardson.

Douglas D. Smith is the production designer with costumes by Barbara Inglehart and sound design by Edward Salas. Opening night for Appearances is set for Oct. 14. Performances run through Nov. 19.

Tickets are $20-$15. The Gascon Center Theatre is located at 8739 Washington Boulevard in Culver City. For reservations, call (310) 289 2999.

-- By Christine Ehren