CHICAGO -- Concluding its season-long tribute to the plays of Jean Cocteau, Eclipse Theatre Company has revived the myriad artist's best known stage work. Written in 1934, The Infernal Machine is a quasi-mystical exploration of the Oedipus legend of a curious son gone tragically wrong.

Sarah Gabel, associate professor of theatre at Loyola University, directs what we're told is a more mystical, grotesque, irreverent and romantic treatment than Sophocles' famous original.

Previews began June 24 for Machine, which opens June 27 and runs to Aug. 1. Starring are Janet Hayatshahi, Jenny McKnight, Ken Puttbach, Sean Bradley (Oedipus), Jon Collins, Thomas McElroy (Tiresius), Carey McKinnon and Justin Ochonicki. Designing the show are Luis Salces (set), Nat Swift (lighting) and Oscar Groves (Nat Swift).

For tickets ($15) and information on The Infernal Machine call (773) 862-7415. The Eclipse company's policy of doing one playwright per season is similar to that of NY's Signature Theatre Company, which is currently finishing up a roster devoted to Arthur Miller.

-- By Lawrence Bommer
and David Lefkowitz