Laguna Sets Schedule for New Season : Stage: Black comedies by Orton and Ludlam mark “a conscious decision to broaden the definition of mainstream theater,” says Richard Stein.

The Laguna Playhouse has announced a 1993-94 season that, according to executive director Richard Stein, will continue a gradual shift from conventional to more challenging programming. But in the same breath, Stein stressed that the troupe will not abandon patrons looking for entertainment.

The season will begin with “What the Butler Saw,” an irreverent comedy set in a mental hospital during a surprise government inspection. The play by Joe Orton, considered one of England’s wildest modern satirists, will run from Sept. 28 through Oct. 24. Also scheduled is Charles Ludlam’s parody of Gothic melodrama, “The Mystery of Irma Vep,” March 14 through April 10, 1994.

With these plays, Stein said, the company will extend an effort started with its current production, Sam Shepard’s black comedy “True West.” It marks the first time the playhouse has tackled the author of such important American plays as “Buried Child” and “A Lie of the Mind.”

“I think we are widening the horizon of our audience somewhat,” Stein said. “(But I’d) hasten to add that this season is still in the mainstream. This is a conscious decision to broaden the definition of mainstream theater.”

He noted that the troupe could have chosen more provocative pieces by Orton and Ludlam but settled on these “because they are a good way to introduce our audience to (writers) who are considered pretty daring . . . these are accessible, very funny comedies.”

To satisfy theatergoers more interested in the traditional, Stein said, Laguna is offering the “old chestnut” musical “Oliver!” Nov. 2 through Dec. 12.

From Jan. 11 through Feb. 6, 1994, an original play may be staged. Stein said Bill C. Davis’ “Mass Appeal” or Lanford Wilson’s “Talley’s Folly” would be offered if a quality script can’t be found.

The season will end with Eugene O’Neill’s “Ah, Wilderness!” The comedy, about a young man who drives his family nuts with his rebel ways, will run from May 17 through June 12, 1994.

THE LAGUNA PLAYHOUSE

The ‘93-’94 Season:

Sept. 28--Oct. 24: “What the Butler Saw” by Joe Orton.

Nov. 2--Dec. 12: “Oliver!”

Jan. 11-Feb. 6: An original play, or “Mass Appeal” by Bill C. Davis, or “Talley’s Folly” by Lanford Wilson.

March 15-April 10: “The Mystery of Irma Vep” by Charles Ludlam.

May 17-June 12: “Ah, Wilderness!” by Eugene O’Neill.

All productions will be at the Moulton Theatre, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. Information: (714) 494-8021.