Jean Cocteau Repertory kicks off its 32nd season as a newly assigned Off-Broadway theater. The downtown company performs at the Bouwerie Lane Theatre. The season begins with William Shakespeare's Henry V, Sept. 12-Jan. 5, 2003.

Producing artistic director David Fuller helms the classic Bard tale of the newly crowned King of England will inaugurate the season as well as the new agreement with Actors’ Equity Association. Giles Hogya provides sets and lights. Costumes are by Susan Soetaert.

Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest is next up, Sept. 26-Jan. 2, 2003. Ernest Johns directs the classic tale of unrequited love. Follow Jack, Gwendolyn, Algernon, Cecily, and oh yes, Ernest in the English comedy.

Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya will play Jan. 10-March 2, 2003 at the downtown locale under the direction of Cocteau founder Eve Adamson. Cocteau Rep veterans Craig Smith (30 seasons) and Harris Berlinsky (25 seasons) will be featured in the cast.

Paul Zindel's The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds will play next, March 7-June 1, 2003. The Pulitzer Prize-winning work will play in repertory with Marivaux's The Triumph of Love, March 21-May 29, 2003, under the direction of David Fuller. Rod McLucas provides the translation. Jean Cocteau Repertory boasts "the nation’s only permanent resident acting company performing a full non-stop, 44-week season of rotating repertory." The company which specializes in rare neglected works to life — while maintaining some of the standards — has performed over 200 productions.  Among them include Marc Blitzstein’s The Cradle Will Rock, the world premiere of the Eric Bentley adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children and Tom Stoppard's Night and Day and On The Razzle.

For tickets to Jean Cocteau productions, at the Bouwerie Lane Theatre, 330 Bowery, on the corner of Bond Street, call  (212) 677-0060. For more information, visit www.jeancocteaurep.org.

— by Ernio Hernandez