THE CHEAP SEATS

Wherefore art thou, good economic news? Until there’s a smile on Lou Dobbs’ face, keep your budget running lean with these inexpensive offers. Son of Semele Ensemble ( www.sonofsemele.org) doles out $5 tickets (normally $15) to ZIP Codes surrounding its Hancock Park theater (90004 and 90026). Proper ID lets you snag cheap seats at their current “Melancholy Play.” Santa Monica’s Ruskin Group Theatre ( www.ruskingrouptheatre.com) announced $5 tix (normally $20) for military personnel and their families to attend Ruskin’s Iraq War drama “@Heart.” Riding on the Metro saves you 20% off Tuesday nights at “Wicked” (pictured: Megan Hilty) at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood ( www.ticketmaster.com, promo code: METRO or show stub at the box office). Also in Hollywood, the Circle X Theatre Company ( www.circlextheatre.org) is offering “pay what you can” tickets to this weekend’s shows of its recently opened “The Flu Season” at [Inside] the Ford.