Jayson, a new musical comedy based on a nationally syndicated gay comic strip, will give its final performance Aug. 16, two weeks earlier than its anticipated run (through Aug. 30). The production, which began previews June 26 and opened July 10, has a book by the comic strip's creator, Jeff Krell, and songs by Ron Romanovsky and Paul Phillips.

Writer-illustrator Krell originally conceived Jayson in 1982 as a comic strip for the Philadelphia Gay News, and it acquired a national audience when it was published in Gay Comix and the acclaimed Meatmen series of gay cartoon anthologies. Later the comic strip was syndicated to gay and lesbian newspapers in more than a dozen cities.

Jay Michaels directed the piece, with musical direction by Simon Deacon and choreography by Kyle Craig. The sets are by Jim McNicholas and the costumes by Julia VanVliet.

Featured in the cast are Craig Dawson, Brian Cooper and Susan Agin.

The performance schedule for Jayson is Tuesday through Saturday at 8 PM and Sunday at 7 PM through Aug. 16. All tickets are $28. For information and reservations on Jayson at the 45th Street Theatre, call Ticket Central at (212) 279-4200. --By Robert Simonson and Harry Haun