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WARREN, RI - Nestled in the north end of my very hometown, just two blocks from where I grew up in a three-story tenement, on the top floor of a former restaurant where I tended bar in 1989 for an old high school friend, sits a theater that is gaining legendary stature.

For those of you familiar with 2nd Story Theatre, no introduction is necessary. For those who aren't, what are you waiting for?

A professional, non-equity company with a unique aesthetic and high artistic standards, 2nd Story was founded by former Trinity Repertory actor Ed Shea and Pat Hegnauer back in 1978 in Newport. It found a permanent home in Warren in 2001, on the top floor of the former Chezwick's Restaurant.

Shea has brought his own vision and Trinity Rep-quality shows to the tiny hamlet, amid the blotchy tenements along Market Street.

He just announced 2nd Story's 2008-09 season, each play a true American classic. I've not seen a finer dramatic lineup of shows in any theater in Boston, Los Angeles, New York or, well, little Warren. Consider this slate:

Lillian Hellman's "Another Part of the Forest," "The Miracle Worker" by William Gibson, "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams, "The Dark at the Top of the Stairs" by William Inge and concluding with Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman." All shows are directed by Shea.

This season, 2nd Story will return to its original aesthetic of "bare-bones theater," where less is clearly more.

"2nd Story has been in Warren for seven years and I think I caught the seven-year itch. I wanted to change things and decided the change was to return to the familiar, a style on which we developed our reputation. Namely, the empty space," said Shea, artistic director. "It's actor- and text-centered productions of plays that are known yet worthy of being revisited and re-invigorated."

Here are some specifics on the line up:

"Another Part of the Forest," by Lillian Hellman. Sept. 26-Oct. 26

Before they were known as "The Little Foxes," the Hubbard children, Ben, Oscar, and Regina, lived under the reign of their war profiteering father, Marcus, who presided over this powerful family. In this evocative "prequel" by Lillian Hellman, the Hubbard heirs play a high-stakes game of roulette, putting the family name and fortune on the table.

"The Miracle Worker," by William Gibson. Nov. 20-Dec. 14

Almost blind herself, Annie Sullivan takes a position in the Keller household to reach their young daughter Helen, left blind and deaf from scarlet fever. With a dynamic gift for teaching, Annie breaks through Helen's darkness, leading her to the world of light. It's Gibson's robust story of love, faith and dedication.

"A Streetcar Named Desire," by Tennessee Williams. Jan. 23-Feb. 22 Steamy and sensual, it's Tennessee Williams' provocatively stunning story of the indomitable Blanche DuBois. A fading Southern flower, Blanche desperately seeks a new life by moving to gritty New Orleans, but the tempestuous Stanley has other plans. Their potent struggle for power erupts into a torrid finale filled with passion and desire.

"The Dark at the Top of the Stairs," by William Inge. March 13-April 11

After "Bus Stop" and "Picnic," playwright Inge reached into his past and penned this memorable tale. Young Sonny Flood (read young Inge) witnesses his mother Cora as she rigorously struggles to hold her family together in a small Midwestern town. Fiercely protective of her young son and ever-impatient with her distant husband, Cora maintains dignity in a world that is growing ever dark.

"Death of a Salesman," by Arthur Miller. May 1-31

Willie Loman is every man who held a job, raised a family, loved his wife and dreamed of better. He's a traveling salesman who can't foresee his next destination; slowly inching towards the end of his road. Heartbreaking and breathtaking, Miller's hard-hitting masterpiece is one of the greatest works to grace the American stage.

Five-play subscription packages, including these five classics, are $100. Performances are Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Individual ticket prices are $25. "Cheapskate" preview ticket prices are $10. Subscription packages and single tickets are on sale now.

2nd Story Theatre is located at 28 Market St., Warren, R.I. Call the Box Office at 401-247-4200. The box office is open Tues.-Fri. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Parking is free. For more information or to receive a free brochure, call 401-247-4200 or log on to the website at www.2ndStoryTheatre.com.

Simon returns to MMAS

The New England Repertory Company will present Neil Simon's comedy "Broadway Bound" at the MMAS Black Box Theater, 30 Crocker St., Mansfield.

The show is directed by Mike Kiernan and features local actors Bob Emery, Brian Kelly, Joe LaGreca, Lucas Lloyd, Barbara Pettis and Alice Springer, and will run for three weekends starting on Friday, May 9.

Tickets are $20 general admission, $19 seniors, and $18 for students under 18 years old. Tickets are on sale now and reservations are strongly suggested as the MMAS Black Box is just a 60-seat, intimate theater.

For more information, visit www.mmas.org. Tickets can be purchased on line or by calling 508-339-2822.