A gender-bending production of Stephen Sondheim's musical Marry Me a Little will open the new season at the Celebration Theatre in Hollywood on Oct. 15, at 8 PM. An all-male cast will carry the evening, said the Celebration's new artistic director, Richard Israel. "We believe that what the show says about marriage will have particular resonance for our predominately gay audience, many of whom are struggling with the same questions in their own lives. Because the show consists of largely unknown music, it will also appeal to the theatre-going audience at large who appreciate the extraordinary talent of Stephen Sondheim. This will help us further our goal of illuminating the gay experience in the community."

Marry Me a Little contains musical numbers from Sondheim's early years, along with several numbers plucked from such popular shows as Company, Follies and A Little Night Music. The show was conceived and developed by Craig Lucas and Norman Rene.

Steve Gideon and Craig Curtis are featured in the Celebration's production, which has been directed by Randy Brenner. The run is for eight weeks only, closing Dec. 5.

The Celebration Theatre is located at 7051 Santa Monica Blvd. For tickets and information call (310) 289-2999.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent