A new year, a new batch of offerings on O'ahu stages:

'JOE TURNER'S COME AND GONE'

August Wilson's drama takes place in 1911 Pittsburgh. With the repression of slavery still fresh in the South, many blacks migrate north for a better life. Traveler Herald Loomis searches for his wife and rediscovers his roots.

Russ Motter directs the production by The Actors' Group.

Premiering at 7:30 p.m. today, repeating at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 5, at Yellow Brick Studio. Tickets are $15 general, $13 seniors, $12 students and groups of 10 or more. 550-8457.

'M. BUTTERFLY'

David Henry Hwang's drama is based on real events: A French diplomat living in Beijing has been carrying on with a Chinese opera star for 20 years. Little does he know that the object of his affection is actually a man.

Lyn Kajiwara Ackerman directs. The play is appropriate for those 16 and older.

Premiering at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, repeating at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 4 p.m. Sundays, through Jan. 29, at Manoa Valley Theatre. Tickets are $25, with a $5 discount for seniors and military; $15 for those 25 and younger. 988-6131.

'ULUA: THE MUSICAL'

Kumu Kahua brings back the production it originally staged at McKinley High School; this time it's on the Kumu stage downtown.

It's the tale of a local boy who leaves his life on O'ahu behind and looks for a new beginning on Maui.

"Ulua" was written by Lee Cataluna, who is an Advertiser columnist; music is by Sean T.C. O'Malley. Harry Wong III directs.

Premieres at 8 p.m. Thursday, repeating at 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 12, at Kumu Kahua Theatre. Tickets are $5-$16. 536-4441.