SAN DIEGO -- The Fritz's new season kicks off Sept. 19 with a production of La Bete by David Hirson, directed by Tim West. The show tells of a foppish and egotistical buffoon whose political influence wreaks havoc on the morality of the court's theatrical troupe. The show began previews Sept. 17.

Bevell, who previously served as co-artistic director with Fritz founder Duane Daniels, is committed to presenting "the best in socially and politically astute comedy and drama by the new generation of American playwrights," said a company spokesperson.

Bevell added that "we're taking up some of the slack created by the local regional theatres, who by and large have abrogated their responsibility (and consciously so) to produce original works by new writers. They no longer recognize the need. We believe very strongly in our mission to bring these works to our audiences."

The Fritz's new season kicks off Sept. 17 with a production of La Bete by David Hirson, directed by Tim West. The show tells of a foppish and egotistical buffoon whose political influence wreaks havoc on the morality of the court's theatrical troupe.

Other plays on tap include On the Map I, an evening of new short plays by San Diego writers; The Mutilated by Tennesee Williams; XXX Love Act by Cintra Wilson; Love Diatribe by Harry Kondoleon; an extra-added attraction, The Fever by Wallace Shawn; On the Map II, more short plays by locals; In the Heart of America by Naomi Wallace; and The Sixth Annual Fritz Blitz of New Plays, a showcase of work by emerging local playwrights. The Fritz is a 99-seat theatre operating under the San Diego Producers Code agreement, the equivalent of the Equity-waiver arrangement in Los Angeles. The company survives on box office receipts, grants from local and state foundations. It is now in its eighth season.

Call (619) 231-8384.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent