Epic Proportions has given notice that it will close on Dec. 19, and the feeding frenzy that always occurs when the Helen Hayes Theatre becomes available has begun. Hayes owner Martin Markinson told Playbill On-Line (Dec. 9) that he has received many inquiries, among them one from the producers of playwright-actor Eric Bogosian's latest one-man show, Wake Up and Smell the Coffee. Markinson confirmed that there had been discussions about bringing the show into the Helen Hayes, but nothing has been settled.

Bogosian's Wake Up played June 22-27 at Boston's American Repertory Theatre. The show is another monologue collection of pimps, junkies, businessmen and hipsters taking trips down life in the fast lane - and somewhere along the way falling off.

Bogosian started his career as a solo performer in downtown New York and has gained notoriety with shows such as: Pounding Nails in the Floor with My Forehead, Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll, Drinking in America, Fun House and Nailgun. Bogosian has also ventured into the world of full-length plays including: Talk Radio, subUrbia and Griller. Bogosian's wife, Jo Bonney, will direct Coffee. Her recent New York assignments include the Off-Broadway dramas, Stop Kiss, at the Public Theater, and Look Back in Anger, at CSC Rep.

On Dec. 8, it was announced that Epic Proportions would close on Dec. 12. The following day, however, producers added an additional week, pushing back the closing date to Dec. 19. Martinson cautioned that such week-by-week extensions could continued through the holidays.

Other possibilities for the Hayes' next tenant include Cheryl L. West's Jar the Floor and Elaine May's Taller Than a Dwarf. -- By Robert Simonson