The world premiere of Charles Higham's mystery comedy Murder By Moonlight will take place at El Portal's Circle Theatre April 14 under the direction of Peggy Shannon. The 99-seat L.A. theatre is part of the new El Portal Center for the Arts, whose artistic director is Jeremiah Morris.

Murder is a mystery-farce set in 1930s England. Love triangles abound, life is an endless cat-and-mouse game of love and intrigue, and people's actions are governed by seances, spirituality -- and blackmail.

The cast includes William H. Bassett, Mimi Cozzens, Peter Husman, Holly Mitchell, Zale Morris, Gary Newton, Leslie Simms and Stuart Thompson. Barbara Haber is the producer.

El Portal is located at 5269 Lankershim Blvd. in NoHo. For tickets and information call (818) 508-4200 or Telecharge (800) 233-3123. Equity Fights AIDS Benefit on April 30 at 8 PM.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent