An Expanded ‘Summer’ Series at the Ford : The arts: The season kick offs with ‘Moon Over Madness’ in the partly renovated facility. More performances by L.A.-based groups and shows for kids are part of the lineup.

The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre’s third annual “Summer Nights at the Ford” series, June 1-Sept. 3, will be its most expansive season to date, with 49 performances presented by 19 Los Angeles-based groups--up from 30 performances by 17 groups last year--as well as 10 morning programs for children, up from last year’s seven.

The amphitheater, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, is in the midst of a $2-million face-lift by the County of Los Angeles. By summer, the 1,200-seat outdoor facility, located in Cahuenga Pass just north of the Hollywood Bowl, will feature modernized and enlarged concession areas, upgraded restrooms and a sunshade to shield the audience during daytime performances.

During the winter off-season, the county plans further renovations, including an elevator to carry patrons from ground to theater level. Also awaiting county approval is a parking shuttle that would run every 15 minutes to the Ford from the Hanna-Barbera lot on Cahuenga Boulevard, about two miles north of the amphitheater--providing an alternative to the current on-site stacked parking.

The season will once again kick off with “Moon Over Madness,” a new edition of Los Angeles Physical Theatre Project’s vaudeville show. The show ran for one weekend last year and will be extended to four this year: May 27-28 (previews), June 1-4, 9-11 and 16-18.

Programming highlights include the series’ first film presentation--American Cinematheque will present the silent film “Le Passion de Jeanne d’Arc,” accompanied by live orchestra and chorus (Aug. 18-20); the series debuts of the Los Angeles Master Chorale (Aug. 5) and the Hollywood Arts Council’s Jazz Pilgrimage (July 16); Gypsy Flamenco (Aug. 25-27); Los Angeles Dance Theatre’s salute to Agnes de Mille and Donald McKayle (Sept. 1-2) and a performance of Mozart’s “Marriage by Stealth” by the Los Angeles Music Theatre Company (July 1, 5 and 7). Klez-Mania, a collaboration of Los Angeles Modern Dance and Ballet and the Klezmatics, takes place Aug. 12.

There will also be several anniversaries celebrated: The Beaux Arts Trio celebrates its 40th anniversary (July 31) and 10th anniversary programs will be presented by the Latin American band Huayucaltia (July 15) and the Los Angeles Baroque Orchestra (July 8).

Tickets are $15-$30; children’s events are $7 for those 18 and under, $10 for those over 18. Some ticket packages are available.

For complete ticket information, call THEATIX at (213) 466-1767.