Twelfth Night, Cyrano De Bergerac and It's Good to Be an Ant are the theatrical attractions on the schedule of the 2000 Summer Nights at the Ford season at the John Anson Ford Theatre. The entire season, sponsored by Los Angeles County Arts Commission, encompasses 58 performances of 41 events over 15 weeks. Opening June 3 and continuing through Sept. 17, the season is the most ambitious since the inception of Summer Nights in 1993.

To mark the venue's 80th anniversary, the Arts Commission has breathed new life into the historic structure in the Hollywood hills. The entryway from parking lot to theatre has been redesigned and a park-like setting has been developed, allowing for numerous picnic areas. Edison Plaza, at the foot of the Ford, has been upgraded as well.

Cyrano is produced by East L.A. Classic Theatre and directed by Tony Plana in a 50-minute adaptation which features Spanish cabaret jazz from the 1930s. It is meant for children nine and up.

Ant is a production of the Pasadena Shakespeare Company. Actors from Kidspace and the San Francisco Mime Troupe will also take part in the show, which is aimed at kids four and up.

Twelfth Night is free to the public but requires tickets that must be ordered by mail. Presented by Lisa Wolpe's Los Angeles Women's Shakespeare Company, the show will feature an all- female, multicultural cast. Call (323) 461-3673 for an order form. The limit is four tickets per customer. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent