AMPHITHEATRE

Some of the biggest names in show business have created a two-million-dollar extravaganza, "Wonder World," in the only permanent open-air auditorium on the fairgrounds. An international cast of 250 includes singers and dancers, swimmers and divers, comedians and acrobats; the visual effects range from a giant waterfall, which pours 22,000 gallons of water a minute onto the stage, to the launching, in a cloud of smoke, of a "lady astronaut" in a "moon rocket."

¶ The Amphitheatre, site of Billy Rose's famous Aquacade at the 1939 World's Fair, has been completely refurbished. The new production takes place on a turntable 75 feet in diameter, one of the largest in the world; in a swimming pool in front of the stage; and on moveable platforms that shuttle back and forth over the pool. On either side of the stage are acoustical shells for an orchestra and choral groups. The show is presented by society bandleader Meyer Davis, directed by Leon Leonidoff of Radio City Music Hall, and alternately stars Chita Rivera and Gretchen Wyler. The choreographer and associate director is Broadway's Michael Kidd. Jule Styne of stage and movie fame wrote the music.

* Admission: unreserved seats, $1.00; reserved section, $2.25; special reserved seats, $350.

* Performances: four shows daily. Show lasts 1 1/2 hours.