New York's R.E.A.L. Theatre will present The Horovitz Variations, a celebration of the American playwright's 60th birthday that runs Sept. 16-Oct. 2. R.E.A.L.'s tribute to Horovitz comprises three of his works and features the world stage premiere of the bittersweet romantic comedy, Phone Tag. Directed by Bennett Windheim, Phone Tag was first conceived as a BBC Radio play. Also directed by Windheim is an excerpt from the cartoonish satire, Dr. Hero, which deals with the advertising industry. Finally, director Thomas Burke-Kaiser helms the dark comedy, Shooting Gallery, which is set in a carnival where ecstatic fantasy meets brutal reality.

Horovitz' most recent play, Fast Hands, premiered to rave reviews at The Gloucester Stage in Gloucester, MA.

One of the most translated American playwrights throughout Europe, Horovitz has written such successful plays as Line, The Primary English Class, Park Your Car in Harvard Yard and The Indian Wants the Bronx.

Casting for the tribute includes Kimmarie Bowens, Irenka Jakubiak, Joanna McNeilly, Richard Nahem, Eric Peterson and David Wells. Sets are by Pace Kiminsky Kaminksy, lighting by Lori Merkle and sound design is by Scott O'Brien.

R.E.A.L. Theatre's Horovitz Variations will be presented at the John Houseman Studio, Theatre A, 450 West 42 Street, NYC beginning Sept. 16. Tickets are $15 and reservations can be made by calling (212) 591-1561.

-- By Murdoch McBride