Playwright Christopher Durang, last seen shocking New York audiences with Betty's Summer Vacation, has taken on a far more viewer- friendly project in Ohio. There, the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park is hosting a three-week workshop of the Donna McKechnie one-woman show, Inside the Music, penned by Durang and directed and choreographed by Thommie Walsh.

Inside the Music is described as a "one-woman musical biography" of McKechnie, who won a Tony for her performance as Cassie in A Chorus Line. Walsh, also a veteran of the original A Chorus Line (as Bobby), has choreographed (with partner Tommy Tune) such shows as Nine and My One and Only.

Durang is best known for his scathingly satirical plays, such as Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All for You, but has also dabbled in ersatz cabaret with his parody group, Christopher Durang & Dawne.

McKechnie has been working on Inside the Music for more than five years. The show, based on the events of the dancer's life, features 22 songs and six dance numbers, among them "The Music and the Mirror" from Chorus Line, with McKechnie recreating the original choreography.

The workshop will continue through Sept. 12. -- By Robert Simonson