Chekhov is a hot Los Angeles playwright. Not one but two separate productions of his poignant play Three Sisters will open this week, one at El Portal's Circle Theatre (June 9), the other at the Stella Adler Theatre (June 10). El Portal is using the Richard Nelson translation which first premiered at the Guthrie Theatre. Peter Grego directs for the company, which is headed by artistic director Jeremiah Morris. Barbara Haber is the producer.

The Stella Adler production utilizes a translation by Paul Schmidt. Silas Weir Mitchell is the director. Last year he directed Eliza Anderson's The Water Principle, which received good reviews in both the L.A. Weekly and L.A. Times.

El Portal's run includes an "Equity Fights Aids Benefit" June 18 at 7 PM and a special added performance during NoHo Festival on Sunday, June 28. For information call (818) 508- 4200. For tickets call Telecharge at (800) 233-3123. El Portal is located at 5269 Lankershim Blvd.

The Stella Adler Theatre is located at 6773 Hollywood Blvd. For tickets and information call (213) 203-4227.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent