Milt Marcus, a longtime Island resident, has a play in off-Broadway production, opening tonight (Saturday, April 21).

The Gardens of Frau Hess, based on a true episode, takes place in Germany in 1944. It's about the relationship between a beautiful and powerful German woman and her Jewish gardener.

The play, produced and directed by Rhoda Herrick, is on stage at the Duke Theatre, 229 West 42nd Street., from tonight through May 13, with performances nightly except Monday and Friday, and matinees Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. (Box office: 239-6200.)

The play was premiered in Florida two years ago to positive reviews, called "as thought-provoking as any play you will see this season," and another reviewer wrote, "...[it's] unlikely you will see a more emotionally and sexually-charged performance by a man and woman than you will see in this danse macabre..."