Mamet out, Merkerson in

The David Mamet musical "A Waitress in Yellowstone" has been bumped from the Kirk Douglas season in favor of a revival of William Inge's "Come Back, Little Sheba" staring "Law and Order" veteran S. Epatha Merkerson (whose name is considerably more difficult to write to us theater types than something simple like David Mamet).

Merkerson's definitely got the stuff, and, at least in person, was great fun to be around when she took every award under the sun for the HBO "Lackawanna Blues." During her meet the press sessions, she'd always be gabbing untethered about acceptance speeches being dropped down her dress, hot flashes, finding work, all those good things. In "Sheba," she'll play Lola who is stuck ina stale 25 year marriage with Doc. it's the role that won Shirley Booth btoh an Oscar and a Tony.

As for Mamet, well, a musical from the master of verbal staccato would have been intriguing. Center Theatre Group says it will be ready next season. They've said the same about the Mowtown musical "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." Let's see which one, if any, gets here first.

"Come Back, Little Sheba" opens June 24. (213) 628-2772. www.centertheatregroup.org.