Meadow Brook Theatre announces 2008-2009 season

ROCHESTER - The stars will come out to play at Meadow Brook Theatre, thanks to an upcoming season that has something for everyone - drama, thriller, farce, family and multiple musicals.

The season opens with Murder by Poe, running Oct. 8 through Nov. 2. See what happens when the characters of Edgar Allen Poe converge on a woman in white to weave a new tale of terror. MBT artistic administrator and Oakland University graduate Travis Walter will direct this new thriller by Jeffrey Hatcher.

Next on the schedule, although not part of the season ticket package, is A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted and directed by Charles Nolte. This annual presentation of the story of Scrooge, Tiny Tim and three ghosts that make a difference runs Nov. 28 through Dec. 21. This year, Meadow Brook favorite Joe Reed takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge.

Beyond the Rainbow by William Randall Beard runs Jan. 7 through Feb. 1, 2009. This musical, making its Michigan premiere, tells the story of Judy Garland's life from poverty to stardom. Favorite songs include The Trolley Song, Stormy Weather and, of course, Over the Rainbow.

Next up is Cindy Williams starring in Kong's Night Out, running Feb. 11 through March 8. This new farce, directed by the playwright, Jack Neary, tells the audience what was happening in the room when King Kong's hand reached in and grabbed Ann Darrow. MBT is excited to welcome Williams back for a second season. Williams, most recently seen in Nunsense, is best known as Shirley Feeney from television's Laverne & Shirley. Says Williams, "I am so honored to be asked back to work at this marvelous theater."

For drama lovers, The Trip to Bountiful by Horton Foote runs March 18 through April 12. Mrs. Watts, played by MBT veteran Mary Benson, runs away from the home she shares with her son's family to return to her hometown. Also starring is Joanna Cassidy, familiar to audiences from her recent roles on television's Heroes, Boston Legal and Six Feet Under, is still remembered by many for playing Zhora in Blade Runner. Dennis North, who directed last season's Moonlight and Magnolias, directs this American classic.

Rounding out the season is another musical, By Jeeves, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and book and lyrics by Alan Ayckbourn. Based on the beloved Jeeves stories by P.G. Woodhouse, this day-in-the-life of Bertie Wooster and his manservant Jeeves includes mistaken identities, forbidden loves and a rollicking finale. By Jeeves runs April 22 through May 17.

As a bonus, Nunsense 2: The Second Coming runs May 27 through June 14. Directed by creator Dan Goggin, this return visit with the Little Sisters of Hoboken stars Marcia Wallace from The Bob Newhart Show, Match Game and The Simpsons.

Subscriptions for the five-play season are currently available. Packages range from $104 to $166. Subscribers receive priority seating, 20 percent discounts on additional tickets and the ability to purchase tickets to A Christmas Carol and Nunsense 2: The Second Coming before they go on sale to the general public.

Season tickets are available by calling the subscription office at 248-377-3300.

Individual tickets go on sale Monday, Sept. 22 at 10 a.m.

Meadow Brook Theatre, located on the campus of Oakland University, is a non-profit, cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for over 40 years.

For additional information on Meadow Brook Theatre, please visit www.mbtheatre.com.