Collegiate drama this month in Westmoreland County runs the gamut of tragic heroes to Elizabethan silliness and French farce.

"Kindertransport," a play by Diane Samuels, opens tomorrow at Seton Hill University.

The play, written from diaries and personal accounts, tells the tale of a pre-World War II trans-European rescue operation called "kindertransport." It was used by 10,000 Jewish families to send their children to England to escape the Nazis.

The play focuses on child survivor Eva Schlesinger, who must struggle with painful memories as she moves on with her life.

The Seton Hill production is directed by Kellee Van Aken, an artistic associate at the City Theatre of Pittsburgh.

The play is only the start of related programs at Seton Hill, home to the National Catholic Center for Holocaust Education.

"The Kindertransport Journey: Memory into History," an exhibit of historical pictures, letters and quotes, will be at Reeves Library on Seton Hill's campus through Nov. 20.

Discussion sessions are planned with Pittsburgh kindertransport survivors Ilse Schwarz and Margit Diamond following performances on Sunday and next Thursday.

For tickets, directions or details, contact the Seton Hill box office at 724-838-4241.

Fresh from an outdoor performance in Greensburg that had Gov. Ed Rendell laughing out loud, the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg theater program opens with "The Compleat Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)." Written by three former members of the Reduced Shakespeare Company, the play presents all 37 works of Shakespeare in two hours or less, in a slapstick, jump-cut style.

The play was written originally for only three actors, but faculty director Stephen Schrum cast nine student actors. He promises the change is "three times the fun of the original."

The students performed the "Julius Caesar" portion on North Main Street in Greensburg as part of the ArtWalk celebration, which welcomed dignitaries and townspeople to the Governors Awards for the Arts ceremony.

"Compleat Works" will be performed at 8 p.m. next Thursday through Nov. 19 in Ferguson Theater, located in Smith Hall.

For details and tickets, contact Mr. Schrum at 724-836-7483 or e-mail sas114@pitt.edu.

In Latrobe, The Saint Vincent College Players and The Saint Vincent Theatre will present Moliere's "The Miser" tonight, Saturday and Sunday and Nov. 18, 19 and 20 in the Performing Arts Center on the campus of Saint Vincent College.

The student production features a professional guest artist performance by summer company member Jarrod DiGiorgi.

"The Miser" is 300 years old, but stolen treasure, forbidden love and scheming servants are always fresh fodder for comedians.

For reservations and performance times phone the Saint Vincent Theatre Box Office, 724-537-8900.