A West Coast celebration of the life of late producer Robert Fryer will be held 4 PM July 27 at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, where Fryer was artistic director 1971-1988.

Reminiscences from friends, family and colleagues will be part of the afternoon, and songs from some of his productions will be performed. Doors open at 3:30 PM. Call (213) 972-7389 for more information.

According to Theatrical Index, Angela Lansbury, Neil Simon, Jerry Herman, Larry Gelbart and Gordon Davidson are among those scheduled to appear at the celebration. A New York memorial is expected for the fall.

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Fryer's name was above the title as producer of a number of hit plays and musicals, including Mame, Sweet Charity and Chicago. He died May 28 in Los Angeles of complications from Parkinson's disease. Fryer, who not only produced but paired artists together for new projects, was 79. Among the stage shows he produced or co produced on Broadway were Auntie Mame, Desk Set, Wonderful Town, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Advise and Consent, California Suite, Biloxi Blues, Wild Honey, Benefactors, A Passage to India, Redhead, Sweeney Todd and more.

His film producing credits include "The Boston Strangler," "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," "Mame," "Travels With My Aunt," "The Boys From Brazil" and others.

He was a multiple Tony Award winner, and also worked on a number of notable flops, such as the Mary Rodgers musical, Hot Spot, starring Judy Holiday. One of his longtime producing partners was Lawrence Carr.

Fryer was born in Washington DC in 1920. His father was a department store manager. After serving in the Army and graduating Case Western Reserve University , he worked as assistant to the producer of the Old Vic season at the Century Theatre in New York City and was managing director of stock houses in Dennis, MA, and Ogunquit, ME.

-- By Kenneth Jones