Actress Amy Wright, whose credits include playing opposite Uta Hagen in Mrs. Klein , will skip over to the other side of the footlights to direct Tennessee Williams' A Lovely Sunday for Creve Coeur for Off-Broadway's Chain Lighting Theatre. The play will hold a special benefit performance on Feb. 4. The benefit is in remembrance of Kricker James, the company's former artistic director, and the proceeds will go to the Jacob Perlow Hospice at Beth Israel Medical Center.

Creve Coeur began previews at the Connelly Theatre Jan. 23 and opened Jan. 28 for a run through Feb. 21, 1999.

Veteran Wright has appeared on Broadway in Noises Off and Fifth of July. On film, she has acted in "The Accidental Tourist," "Miss Firecracker" and "The Deer Hunter."

Creve Coeur is a late Williams work. The story concerns the life and loves of Dorothea, a high school teacher. Dorothea is in love with her principal. But her roommate, Bodey, knowing the principal is engaged, steers Dorothea into the arms of her brother. Meanwhile, another teacher, Helena, tries to tempt Dorothea into a better teaching position in another neighborhood.

Ginger Grace, Brandee Graff, Cheryl Horne and Blanie Logan star. For information, call (212) 219-2085.

-- By Robert Simonson