Los Angeles' Blank Theatre Company has taken the term "black comedy" very literally, by turning its production of Joe Orton's play Loot into a "comedy noir", with sets, costumes and music mimmicking a black-and-white 1940s film. The production, originally scheduled to close June 22, has been extended through Aug. 3.

Loot, one of Orton's later plays, won London's Evening Standard Award for Best Play in 1967. The comedy exposes five characters whose interactions revolve around a dead body, a coffin, and a lot of stolen money.

Starring in the Blank production is Lenny Wolpe, who starred off- Broadway as Ed Koch in the musical Mayor, and recently played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. Wolpe has also appeared at the Blank in the long running Breaking the Code and The Cradle Will Rock.

Loot is directed by Blank Artistic Director, Daniel Henning, who has directed previous award-winning Blank productions. Rounding out the cast is Peter Van Norden (Blank's The Fantasticks); Tyler Baker (Nikolas on "General Hospital"); Carmen Thomas, and David O'Donnell.

For tickets or more information, call (213) 660-TKTS, or refer to the Blank Theatre Company regional listing on Playbill On-Line. --By Blair Glaser