FROM THE PIT

By the time spring comes again, Bostonians should be spelling "Theater" the British way, with a "re." The brightest local season in many years seems to be well on the way, with British imports especially promising. Plays already opened are "Season in the Sun," "Black Chiffon," and "The Curious Savage"; in the musical field, "Pardon Our French" and "Call Me Madam." Incredible though it may appear, every one of these five shows has hit possibilities. They are all in excellent condition for a Boston tryout, and they will improve even more before opening in New York.

October will bring John Steinbeck's long-awaited drama, "Burning Bright," Another author of note to be represented is Clifford Odets, whose "The Country Girl," starring Uta Hagen, will open October 16. Beyond any doubt, however, the British are the guests of honor this season. Christopher Fry, the brilliant English playwright, will have two productions: "The Lady's Not for Burning," with John Gielgud, in late October, and Neva Patterson in "Ring Round the Moon," which will probably be booked for November. Both plays have already proved highly successful in London. Another British import will be D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in October --good news for Gilbert & Sullivan enthusiasts. "The Late Edwina Black" is due in early November, and will eventually move on to Broadway as "Edwina." The Sadler's Wells Ballet, as you may have heard, is sold out for its one week stand in January, but there should still be a few seats in the hands of the brokers.

Other shows slated for next month include "The Barrier," "The Day After tomorrow," a return engagement of "I Know My Love," with the Lunts, and "Bell, Book, and Candle." Apart from the D'Oyly Carte's revivals of G. and S., "The Barrier" is the only musical booked so far. It is based on Wright's "Native Son," and stars Lawrence Tibbett. "Death of a Salesman," with Thomas Mitchell playing Willy Loman, will arrive from Broadway in late November.

The theatrical future is a promising mixture of comedies and serious plays. The only complaint right now is the dearth of musical comedies, but we may see a larger proportion of them after December.