QUICK TAKES - Feb. 3, 1996

Hoping to capitalize on the record ratings achieved last Sunday by NBC’s Super Bowl broadcast, PolyGram Home Video has scheduled a Feb. 20 release for “Dallas Cowboys: Super Bowl XXX Champions,” detailing the team’s championship season, from training camp to the big game. The suggested retail price is $19.95. . . . Natalie Merchant is long gone, but her old band 10,000 Maniacs has signed a new recording contract with Geffen Records. Since Merchant’s departure more than two years ago to start her solo career, the remaining Maniacs have welcomed back original member John Lombardo and added singer and viola player Mary Ramsey. . . . Tim Curry, Joanna Gleason, Glynnis Johns, Dale Kristien, Michael Jeter, Joely Fisher, the Plaids, the original Los Angeles cast of “Assassins,” and David, Patrick and Shaun Cassidy are among those taking part in “Sondheim III,” the 12th annual Southland Theatre Artists Goodwill Event, with four performances on March 8 through 10 at the Doolittle Theatre. Tickets are $30 to $150, and proceeds go to the AIDS Service Center and AIDS Healthcare Foundation.