Pasadena Playhouse's Balcony Theatre, which has been dark for five years, has now re-opened as a mid-size theatre (153 seats) under the management of David A. Cox and Edmund Gaynes in association with Playhouse owner David Houk. The first attraction, Don Gordon's romantic comedy Panache, directed by Cox, opened recently and will run indefinitely. Starring are Lisa Pelikan and Eric Pierpoint.

The latter plays Harry Baldwin, a down-on-his-luck artist who has given up on life. Pelikan is Kathleen Trafalgar, an eccentric socialite who changes Harry's life, as much as Harry ultimately changes hers, both much for the better.

Pierpoint is best known as the star of the "Alien Nation" TV series. Pelikan earned critical kudos for her recent performance as Zelda Fitzgerald in Only a Broken String of Pearls. Others in the cast include Wesley Thompson, James Benjamin Cooper and Julian McWhirter. Cox directed last season's Off-Broadway hit Chaim's Love Song and is also artistic director of the American Renegade Theatre in NoHo.

The Playhouse Balcony Theatre is located at 39 S. El Molino Ave. For tickets and information call (626) 795-6000.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent