Charles E. Polly's Twlya's Boy came before June Bug Music, the third part of the Twyla trilogy, and it will come before the new play again.

The Eastenders Repertory Company will host a benefit performance of Boy, the first of the Twyla plays, Oct. 29 to help raise funds to stage the third, scheduled to make its world premiere at the Magic Theatre Nov. 3-19.

Twyla's Boy first introduced the story of Ervin Tackett, a gay man who returns home to his Appalachian home and kin, and Twyla, the matriarch and strength of the family. Following Boy and Twyla's Story, June Bug Music picks up with Ervin and Twyla's stories. In this chapter, she must come to terms with the ghost of her mother, Katurah, as Ervin and his lover Michael must conquer their own demons.

June Bug Music has been in workshop with Eastenders Rep, co-founded by Polly, since spring 1999. Inspired by his Cherokee grandmother, his immigrant Irish grandmother, his mother and the coal miners' lives of his father and brothers, Polly crafted the people of the "holler," whom he and Ervin left when they headed for California.

Polly will play Ervin with Suzan Kendall as Twyla. Joseph Leonardi directs. Tickets for the benefit are $25 and include a post-show champagne The Magic Theatre, Sam Shepard Theatre is located in Bldg D at the Fort Mason Center on Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street. For reservations, call (510) 434-0734.

— By Christine Ehren