Part of the success should be attributed to Barry Grove, the company's managing director, and his aggressive fund-raising and marketing development.

She and Barry Grove, the company's executive producer, "are really strong producers," he said.

"These things are not only expensive to create but to operate," said Barry Grove, the executive producer.

"There are no Off Broadway houses of between 300 and 500 seats available," said Barry Grove, the managing director.

A replica designed and carved by Barry Grove was recently erected on the site.

The two heads of the theater, Lynne Meadow and Barry Grove, did not return a call yesterday.

It is the 22d in her partnership with the executive producer, Barry Grove, who largely handles the business end.

But Barry Grove, the theater's managing director, says that if the play is still rough at the main stage, critics will not be welcome there, either.

The costs of promoting, marketing and ticketing the show account for the price difference, said Barry Grove, the club's managing director.

"It was a similar situation," said Barry Grove, managing director of the club.