Emerging Artists Theatre Company will open their sixth season by premiering The Kitchen of Heaven by Larry Harris at the Mint Theatre (311 West 43rd St. (8th Ave; 5th floor). The show began previews Feb. 20 for a Feb. 22 opening night and a run scheduled through March 13.

Directed by Michael LaPolla, The Kitchen of Heaven deals with the dilemma of a New York Jewish couple who have disowned their gay son. What makes this comedy/drama unique is the focus on the redemption of the parents and their feelings, as opposed to those of the dejected child.

The cast is Kim Ders, Sally Kemp, Carter Inskeep, Stan Lachow, and Michael Warga.

Larry Harris is an award-winning writer; his short plays, Answering the Echo, Daily Bread, Grey-Beard Loon, and The Once-Dead have all been produced in New York. LaPolla, co-founder and artistic director of the New York-based Carousel Theatre Company, recently finished directing Steel Magnolias at the Le Petit Theatre in New Orleans. Designing the show are Warren Karp (set), Robert Bevenger (costumes), AnnMarie Duggan (lighting), and David Pinkard (sound).

The Company was founded in 1993 as a home for playwrights and actors as well as directors and designers. They provide a support system to see an original work about the human condition from first draft to production. Next in the Company's season is A Winter Beauty, which is also at The Mint, March 19-April 10.

The Kitchen of Heaven begins previews Feb. 20 and runs to March 13. Tickets are $15.00 and are available by calling (212) 627-5792. -- By Angelica Roderick