THEATER:New material in store

Too often, local theater can be a rehash of dramatic or comic material you've seen numerous times on other stages. When, you wonder, are they going to come up with something completely new?

How about this weekend?

Two openings, both in Costa Mesa, will be giving playgoers a taste of something unfamiliar.

South Coast Repertory, which launched its new season two weeks ago with "Nothing Sacred," a slice of Russian life, brings up its lights again this weekend with "Bach at Leipzig," based on historical happenings in Germany, circa 1722.

Meanwhile, Orange Coast College's Repertory Theater Company will be kicking off a two-weekend engagement titled "Solo Voices," a series of monologues both original and published.

At South Coast, Itamar Moses' "Bach at Leipzig" focuses on the search for a new organist at the city's leading church. The former holder of that office, it seems, has expired — face down — on the keyboard.

In an 18th century version of "American Idol," seven scheming musicians arrive from the four corners of Germany — all named either Georg or Johann — to vie for Europe's most coveted musical post, while Johann Sebastian Bach keeps a low profile.

"Betrayals, bribes and blackmail offer endless plot possibilities," director Art Manke said, "and Moses takes advantage of them all. It's part 'Survivor,' part 'Idol,' with the Marx Brothers thrown in for good measure."

Making up the cast for "Bach at Leipzig" are Tony Abatemarco, Stephen Caffrey, Sean H. Hemeon, Jeffrey Hutchinson, John David Keller, Timothy Landfield and Erik Sorensen.

"Bach at Leipzig" plays through Oct. 15 on the Julianne Argyros Stage. Tickets and other information are available by calling (714) 708-5555.

OCC's "Solo Voices" has become a popular attraction at the college over the past few seasons, according to the repertory theater's faculty advisor, Cynthia Corley. The readings, as one might expect, are geared for mature audiences.

"The monologue play has burgeoned in the last 20 years of world theater," she notes. "This festival of monologues presents some very exciting student performances.