DATE: Friday, October 24, 1997              TAG: 9710230266

SECTION: DAILY BREAK             PAGE: E3   EDITION: FINAL 

                                            LENGTH:   78 lines

PREVIEW

NOW THAT THE big Toulouse-Lautrec exhibit has opened, The Chrysler Museum of Art is celebrating its arrival with a family-oriented festival of all things French.

On Sunday, admission is entirely free for the 108-piece exhibit and a dozen special events geared to Lautrec's world, late 19th century Paris. See cancan dancers, make a poster, watch a puppet show, hear a lecture - and more. Also, that black 1998 Chrysler Sebring convertible that's been parked facing Olney Road for weeks will be raffled.

The festival is from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, but the galleries are open until 5 p.m. The show is up through Dec. 31. Call 664-6200 for more information.

Teresa Annas Fiona Apple

THURSDAY'S CONCERT with Fiona Apple will be interesting, and not just because she's so captivating and provocative. (Ask anyone who saw her open for Counting Crows at Chrysler Hall in February.) It's because she's headlining at the rowdy Boathouse. As evidenced by her hit album ``Tidal,'' Apple, only 20, draws from personal, often painful, experience, singing in hushed tones that demand attention. See for yourself. Starts at 8. Tix: $15 plus service charge; order at 671-8100. Hooverphonic opens.

- Craig Shapiro MOVIES

A LIFE LESS ORDINARY - A quirky comedy with a difference is this romance about unlikely participants. Ewan McGregor (set to star in the ``Star Wars'' movies through 2003) plays a hapless janitor who kidnaps the boss's debutante daughter (Cameron Diaz). Holly Hunter and Delroy Lindo play angels who are assigned to be sure the two fall in love. It's from the creators of ``Trainspotting'' but don't expect it to be THAT lowlife. It's aimed at the dating crowd, but decidedly offbeat in treatment. R

GATTACA - A science-fiction yarn about a futuristic world in which we all can be perfect, if we just clone. Clone it or be imperfect. Ethan Hawke wants to be an astronaut be he has to redo his DNA in order to meet the high standards. Uma Thurman is the co-star. PG-13

WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY - Gris-Gris is missing and there's a search across Paris. Gris-Gris is a jet-black cat, the property of a beautiful make-up artist who went away on vacation and came back to find him missing. Garance Clavel plays the beauty who has had no romance, or adventure, in her life until she goes searching for the cat. It's a romantic comedy from the French, with English subtitles. R

KISS ME GUIDO - Frankie Zito is a 24-year-old Italian-American who wants to become an actor. He needs a roommate to pay the bills. In answering an ad, he thinks ``GWM'' means ``guy with money.'' Actually, it means ``gay, white, male.'' A new, comedic version of ``the odd couple'' evolves when Warren, a choreographer moves in. Frankie's conservative family background clashes with Warren's often outrageous friends. It's a comedy about tolerance and adjustment. R

STAR MAPS - A poor Mexican boy goes to Los Angeles and dreams of becoming a movie star, just like Antonio Banderas. Douglas Spain is the boy who pursues his dream, countered by a father who lacks the conviction for a dream. It's written and directed by Miguel Arteta. Opens Monday. R

BOX OF MOONLIGHT - Director Tom DiCillo, a former Norfolk student, follows his successful ``Living In Oblivion'' with a comedy about flip sides of the American dream. John Turturro plays an uptight businessman who learns about free-spirited joy when he meets a young dreamer named Kid, who lives in a trailer in the woods. It's a journey of discovery. DiCillo attended Old Dominion University before departing for Hollywood and becoming a pioneer in the independent-film movement. Opens Wednesday. R Hal Linden

LONG BEFORE The Great Purple One appeared on television, another warm and wise Barney graced the screen - ``Barney Miller.'' Since that show went off, actor Hal Linden has been busy. He's appeared on Broadway and most recently in the movie ``Out to Sea.'' The guy's also got a song-and-dance act, on stage at 8 p.m. Saturday at Harrison Opera House, Norfolk. Tickets: $27.50. Call 489-1371. - Roberta Vowell ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu