For theater-goers, the 2005-2006 season across O'ahu — typically launching this fall — offers an abundance of choice, with predictable revivals and a few unexpected retreads. Among the familiar comebacks: "Guys and Dolls" at Army Community Theatre, "A Little Night Music" at Manoa Valley Theatre and "Into the Woods" at Diamond Head Theatre.

For those who savor touring productions, however, there's virtually a drought; at press time, only one production is heading this way: "A Chorus Line," in October. This, on the heels of a just-concluded summer "Chorus" run at Castle Performing Arts Center.

Ballet Hawaii, however, is attempting to keep the Broadway profile alive, with a January benefit corralling three actors who've played the Phantom — separately, of course — in two evenings of music from The Great White Way dubbed "Three Phantoms in Concert" at the Hawai'i Theatre.

In looking over the fare at our community playhouses, some curiosities emerge:

• "Juvenile" actors (instead of adult actors) will take the limelight in two productions — "Music Man Jr." at Castle Performing Arts Center, "Aladdin Jr." at Diamond Head Theatre.

• Nudity will prevail in a pair of shows — "The Full Monty" at Diamond Head Theatre (a Hawai'i premiere), "M. Butterfly" at Manoa Valley Theatre.

• Culturally, Kennedy Theatre probably offers the most alluring, if not ambitious, endeavor in its Jingyu (Beijing opera) production, "Woman Generals of the Yang Family." Also, when Honolulu Theatre for Youth presents "Mulan, the Woman Warrior," it will borrow techniques from Chinese opera.

• Animals are the focus of two shows — Army Community Theatre will put a military spin on its "Cats" production, which will meow in the first Honolulu-produced outing of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, and The Actors' Group will likely have a love-it-or-loathe-it entry in "The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?" an Edward Albee drama of considerable controversy involving a goat.

• And mama mia, Hawaii Opera Theatre goes all Italian in 2006.

Here's an overview of what's on — and when:

THE ACTORS' GROUP
Honolulu's off-off-off Broadway little theater

Curtain: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday premieres; repeats 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays

Venue: Yellow Brick Theatre, 625 Keawe St.

Season tickets: $55.

Individual tickets: $15 adults, $13 seniors, $12 students and groups of 10.

Reservations: 550-8457, http://www.honoluluboxoffice.com" target="_blank">www.honoluluboxoffice.com.

Watch for: The subject of one play could get your goat.

The season:

• "Boston Marriage," now through Aug. 28. A comedy by David Mamet, directed by David Schaeffer, about two scheming "women of fashion" who have long lived together on the fringes of upper-class society.

• "P.S. Your Cat is Dead," Oct. 12-30. A comedy by James Kirkwood, directed by Dennis Proulx, about a down-and-out Jimmy Zool, whose apartment has been robbed for the fourth time.

• "Joe Turner's Come and Gone," Jan. 4-Feb 5. An August Wilson drama, directed by Russ Motter, about a man's journey in search of his wife, and his unexpected recovery of his African and Southern roots.

• "Betrayal," March 29-April 16. A drama by Harold Pinter, directed by Liz Kane, dealing with a classic love triangle about a married couple, Robert and Emma, and his best friend and business colleague, Jerry, who has had a relationship with Emma for seven years.

• "The Goat or, Who is Sylvia?" May 24-June 11. A drama by Edward Albee, directed by David Farmer, about a prize-winning architect who confesses to his wife and son about an unimaginable and unsettling relationship.

ARMY COMMUNITY THEATRE
Honolulu's Broadway musical headquarters, producing current shows or musicals in the community spirit

Curtain: 7:30 p.m. Thursday premieres; repeats at 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays.

Venue: Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter.

Season tickets: $60 and $75 adults, $45 and $50 for children.

Individual tickets: $15, $20 adults; $12, $15 children; for "Cats," $20, $28 adults; $15, $22 children.

Reservations: 438-4480, http://www.squareone.org/ACT" target="_blank">www.squareone.org/ACT.

Watch for: "Cats" will get an Army makeover.

The season:

• "Guys and Dolls," Sept. 8-24. A Frank Loesser musical, with book by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling, is set in Damon Runyon's mythical New York City. With Jim Hutchison as Nathan Detroit, Lenny Klompus as Sky Masterson, Tina Shelton as Sarah Brown and Shari Lynn as Miss Adelaide, directed by Glenn Cannon.

• "Kismet," Nov. 17-Dec. 3. The Arabian fantasy features lyrics by Robert Wright and George Forrest, music by Alexander Borodin, George Forrest and Robert Wright, with book by Charles Lederer and Luther Davis, based on the play by Edward Knobleck. Buz Tennent stars.

• "Cats," Feb. 23-March 11. The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, based on T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," will be reimagined with an Army junkyard.

• "Damn Yankees," May 11-27. A musical by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, book by Douglass Wallop and George Abbott, about a middle-aged baseball fanatic, Joe Boyd, who sells his soul to the devil. Keoki Kerr will star.

ARMY COMMUNITY THEATRE'S READERS THEATRE
Small-cast dramas, staged Readers Theatre-style

Curtain: 2 p.m. Sundays.

Venue: On the mainstage at Richardson Theatre.

Season tickets: None.

Individual tickets: $6, at the door; free with purchase of season tickets.

Reservations: None.

The season:

• "An Almost Holy Picture," Sept. 11, 18 and 25. A drama by Heather McDonald freely drawn from Pamela Ward's story, "The Hairy Little Girl." Featuring Richard Pellett.

• "The Long Christmas Ride Home," Nov. 20, 27 and Dec. 4. A drama by Paula Vogel, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "How I Learned to Drive."

• "Frozen," Feb. 26, March 5 and 12. A thriller-drama by Bryony Lavery. Featuring Jo Pruden and Richard McPherson.

• "Sight Unseen," May 14, 21 and 28. A comedy-drama by Donald Margulies.

BALLET HAWAII
Hawai'i's premier dance company

Curtain: Varies.

Venue: Varies.

Season tickets: None.

Individual tickets: Varies.

Reservations: (877) 750-4400, http://www.ticketmaster.com" target="_blank">www.ticketmaster.com; 528-0506, http://www.hawaiitheatre.com" target="_blank">www.hawaiitheatre.com

Watch for: Three "Phantom of the Opera" stars, in a benefit.

The season:

• "Coppelia," Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, at 2 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall. The jewel of the classical ballet repertoire, starring Joan Boada and Amanda Schull, plus John Selya; with members from the San Francisco Ballet and music by the Honolulu Symphony. $25, $40, $55.

• "Beijing Modern Dance Company," Nov. 4 and 5, at 8 p.m., Hawai'i Theatre. One of the notable modern dance companies in China, with a repertoire that fuses ethnic styles with international elements. $25, $35, $45. 528-0506.

• "Nutcracker," Dec. 16 at 8 p.m., Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 18 at 2 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall. The holiday tradition continues with the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra, with guest soloists and Hawai'i's professionals and student dancers. $25, $40, $55; $135 for opening VIP dinner package (call 521-8600). Also, the production plays at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Nov. 26 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 27 at 2 p.m., with Amanda Schull as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Joan Boada as her Cavalier. $20, $25, $35; (808) 242-7469.

• "Three Phantoms in Concert," Jan. 27 and 28, time and ticket prices to be announced, at the Hawai'i Theatre. Featuring Craig Schulman, Cris Groenandaal and Kevin Gray, all of whom have played the lead in "The Phantom of the Opera." 528-0506.

• Smuin Ballet, April 22 at 8 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall. Featuring one of the nation's legendary and original ballet troupes. $25, $35, $45. (877) 750-4400.

CASTLE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
High school musical and dance presentations

Curtain: Varies.

Venue: Ronald E. Bright Theatre, Castle High School.

Individual tickets: To be announced.

Reservations: 233-5626, http://www.k12.hi.us/%7ecpac" target="_blank">www.k12.hi.us/~cpac

Watch for: A junior edition of "Music Man."

The season:

• "The Taming of the Shrew," the Shakespearean comedy, Oct. 28-Nov. 6. Directed by Karen Meyer.

• DanceExperience 20, featuring the Castle DanceForce and 24/7 DanceForce, Nov. 25-Dec. 4. Directed by Marcelo Pacleb.

• "Music Man Jr.," a musical by Meredith Willson, featuring Castle Complex students in grades 5 through 8, Feb. 24-26. Directed by Ronald E. Bright.

• "Lil' Abner," a musical based on the cartoons of Al Capp, March 31-April 9. Directed by Karen Meyer, musical direction by Emmett Yoshioka.

• DanceExperience 21, featuring the Castle DanceForce and 24/7 DanceForce, April 28-May 4. Directed by Marcelo Pacleb.

DIAMOND HEAD THEATRE
Specializing in lavish musicals

Curtain: 8 p.m. Friday premieres; repeats 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 3 p.m. second and third Saturday in the run, 4 p.m. Sundays.

Venue: Diamond Head Theatre at Fort Ruger.

Season tickets: $49, $99, $146, $196.

Individual tickets: $12, $22, $32, $42.

Reservations: 733-0274, http://www.diamondheadtheatre.com" target="_blank">www.diamondheadtheatre.com

Watch for: Junior actors in a Disney musical spree; plus new Saturday matinees

The season:

• "The Full Monty," Sept. 23-Oct. 9. Based on the hit film, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek and book by Terrence McNally. About unemployed Buffalo, N.Y., steelworkers who see an opportunity to cash in as male strippers while overcoming personal hangups about sexuality, overweight problems and questions about childcare. Guest-directed and choreographed by Tim Albrecht from New York.

• "Aladdin Jr.," Dec. 2-18. An expansion of Disney's theme-park production, complete with the resourceful Aladdin, the beautiful Jasmine, the wise-cracking blue Genie, and such hits as "A Whole New World" and "A Friend Like Me." And a magic flying carpet.

• "Enchanted April," Feb. 3-19. An old-fashioned charmer, with humor and warmth, set in 1922 and dealing with two married British women trapped in humdrum lives, who seize a chance to pool their resources for a month's rental of an Italian villa. To share costs, they allow an elderly spinster and a jaded young woman to join them in life-changing experiences.

• "Drood," March 24-April 9. A whodunnit about the mysterious disappearance of Edwin Drood, set in a Victorian music hall where an unfinished Dickens mystery is produced. The audiences help decide the outcome, amid giddy playfulness on stage.

• "La Cage Aux Folles," May 19-June 4. A story about two gay men, Georges and Albin, who run a nightclub in St. Tropez. After 20 years of domestic tranquility, their lives are disrupted when Georges' son decides to marry the daughter of a bigoted politician — and the son demands a "traditional family" to show off to his future in-laws.

• "Into the Woods," July 14-30. Some classic fairytale characters are featured in a series of fractured stories — Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Prince Charming, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Rapunzel and the Baker and his Wife — with the cockeyed vision offering lessons about responsibilities and life.

HAWAII OPERA THEATRE
Honolulu's opera organization

Curtain: 8 p.m. Friday premieres; repeats at 4 p.m. Sundays, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays.

Venue: Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Season tickets: $81-$288.

Individual tickets: $29-$100.

Reservations: 596-7858, http://www.hawaiiopera.org" target="_blank">www.hawaiiopera.org

Watch for: An all-Italian season.

The season:

• "Rigoletto," by Guiseppe Verdi, Feb. 10, 12 and 14. Cast: John Packard (Rigoletto), Olga Makarina (Gilda); Jorge Yanez-Lopez (Duke of Mantua). Director to be announced.

• "Il Trittico (Three One-Acts)," by Giacomo Puccini, featuring "Il Tabarro (The Cloak)," "Suor Angelica (Sister Angelica)," and "Gianni Schicchi," Feb. 24, 26 and 28. Cast: Barbara Divis, Jake Gardner, Kip Wilborn. Director: Henry Akina.

• "Tosca," by Giacomo Puccini, March 10, 12 and 14. Cast: Pamela South (Tosca), Richard Crowley (Cavaradossi), Jeffrey Kneebone (Scarpia). Director: Karen Tiller.

HAWAI'I PACIFIC UNIVERSITY THEATRE
Specializing in classic drama and comedy, with an occasional musical

Curtain: 8 p.m. Friday premieres; repeats at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays; no performance on Thanksgiving, so a Wednesday performance will be given Nov. 24

Venue: HPU Theatre, Windward campus.

Individual tickets: $20 general, $14 students, seniors, military, $3 HPU students; discounts on Thursdays.

Reservations: 375-1282.

Watch for: The return of Rosie.

The season:

• "Aloha Rosie's," Nov. 4-Dec. 4. A musical by Norm Boroughs and Joyce Maltby, directed by Maltby, featuring Shari Lynn as Rosie, Jim Tharp as Johnny, Becky Maltby as Jenny, Glenn Cannon as Nathan, the devil, and Kalani Brady as Billy Sinfree. Set in a honky-tonk, inhabited by regulars a la "Cheers." The final part of a trilogy of "Rosie's" shows.

• "The Gin Game," March 17-April 16. A drama by D.L. Coburn, featuring Joyce Maltby and Don Pomes, directed by Mitch Milan. A game serves as a metaphor for life, set in a seedy nursing home.

HAWAI'I THEATRE
Hawai'i's "Carnegie Hall of the Pacific," featuring local and visiting productions and troupes

Curtain: Varies.

Venue: Hawai'i Theatre.

Individual tickets: See listings.

Reservations: 528-0506, http://www.hawaiitheatre.com" target="_blank">www.hawaiitheatre.com

Watch for: An expanded "Hana Hou" series of Hawaiian shows.

The season:

• Aimee Mann, Sept. 28, details to be announced.

• Karen Keawehawai'i, in the first of two four-part "Hana Hou" Hawaiian Music Series, Sept. 30, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30.

• "Hawai'i Stars Concert of Extraordinary Abilities," Oct. 2.

• "Kamau Pono 2005," featuring Tony Conjugacion, Oct. 7.

• "Aha Mele 2005," a Hawaiian music and hula concert, Oct. 8.

• "Celebrate the Arts: Alliance Arts 2005," Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m.

• "Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble: East Meets West," Oct. 16, at 4 p.m.

• "Slack Key Guitar," featuring the Grammy Award-winning artists led by Charles Michael Brotman, in the second "Hana Hou" Hawaiian Music Series, Oct. 28, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30.

• "Beijing Dance Theatre," Nov. 4 and 5, at 8 p.m. (See Ballet Hawaii listing).

• Amy Hanaiali'i Gilliom, in the third "Hana Hou" Hawaiian Music Series, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30.

• "An Evening With Leo Kottke," Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. Featuring the singer-guitarist in a solo outing. Tickets: $24, $30, $35.

• "A Merry Christmas With Friends & Nabors," Dec. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. Featuring Jim Nabors, the Honolulu Symphony, Karen Keawehawai'i, Emma Veary, and Jimmy Borges. Tickets: $20, $45, $55, $75.

• Neil Sedaka, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m. Featuring the singer, composer, pianist of such hits as "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" and "Solitaire."

• The Makaha Sons, in the fourth "Hana Hou" Hawaiian Music Series, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30.

• "Three Phantoms in Concert," a Ballet Hawai'i benefit, Jan. 27-28. (See Ballet Hawai'i listing.)

• Na Palapalai, in the fifth "Hana Hou" Hawaiian Music Series, Feb. 10, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30.

• The Brothers Cazimero, in the sixth "Hana Hou" Hawaiian Music Series, March 10, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30.

• Halau I Ka Wekiu, Feb. 12.

• Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu, Feb. 17 and 18, featuring kumu hula Patrick Makuakane of San Francisco.

• Iolani Dramatic Players spring musical, March 2-4.

• Dirty Dozen Brass with the Dixie Hummingbirds, March 5.

• Pacific Basin Music Festival, March 20-22.

• Tau Dance Concert, March 24-26.

• Holomua Ka No'eau, featuring Halau Mohala 'Ilima, April 1.

• Act to be named, in the seventh "Hana Hou" Hawaiian Music Series, April 14, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30.

• Electric Blue, by the IONA Contemporary Dance Theatre, April 21-23.

• Hawaiian Music Hall of Fame, April 29.

• Mid-Pacific Institute Hula Concert, April 30.

• Spring Barbershop Concert, presented by the Sounds of Aloha and SPEBSQSA, May 5 and 6.

• Ho'okena, in the eighth "Hana Hou" Hawaiian Music Series, May 19, at 8 p.m. Tickets: $30.

• Combined Military Band Concert, May 20.

HONOLULU THEATRE FOR YOUTH
Specializing in family- and youth-oriented fare, including originals as well as adaptations of known works

Curtain: Varies; opening-night performances at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, continuing Saturdays and some Sundays.

Venue: For the first time, HTY — formerly a roving organization — has a permanent home base (for the next five seasons), Tenney Theatre, at St. Andrew's Cathedral.

Season tickets: $84 adults, $42 youth (18 and younger) and seniors (over 60); $60 adults, $30 youths, seniors, for five-show season tickets.

Individual tickets: $16 and $8; all seats $8 for "Tales of Old Hawai'i."

Reservations: 839-9885, http://www.htyweb.org" target="_blank">www.htyweb.org.

Watch for: The emergence of Eric Johnson, new artistic director; he's a director, actor and playwright, here from Lancaster, Pa.

The season:

• "Nothing Is the Same," by Y York. Opening Sept. 2, at 7:30 p.m.; repeating Saturdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17, 24, at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. A play, based on oral histories, about four local students after the Dec. 7, 1941, bombing of O'ahu by the Japanese. For ages 7 and older.

• "Winnie-the-Pooh," adapted by LeClanch? du Rand, from the stories of A.A. Milne. Opening Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m.; repeating Saturdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Pooh and his pals Piglet, Kanga, Roo, Eeyore, Owl and Christopher Robin return in a musical embracing stories of Heffalumps, unwanted baths, lost tails and birthday presents. For ages 4 and older.

• "Christmas Talk Story," by 15 local writers. Opening Nov. 25, at 7:30 p.m.; repeating Saturdays, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, 10 and 17, at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Sundays, Nov. 27, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, at 4:30 p.m. For the seventh time, Island-style holiday stories, seen through the eyes of children, provide a glimpse of local celebrations. For ages 5 and older.

• "Mulan, the Woman Warrior" by Alvaro Saar Rios. Opening Jan. 13, at 7:30 p.m.; repeating Saturdays, Jan. 14, 21, 28, Feb. 4, 11, and 18, at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. The world premiere of another version of the popular Chinese legend, about a young woman who disguises herself as a man to fight for her country; staged in Chinese opera style, with physical comedy. For ages 5 and older.

• "Othello," adapted by Y York from the Shakespeare original. Opening Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m.; repeating Saturdays, Feb. 25, March 4, 11 and 18, at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. The Bard meets hip-hop in this version of the classic tragedy, originally staged four years ago, with actor BullDog returning as a rapping Iago. For ages 10 and older.

• "Tales of Old Hawai'i," adapted by BullDog and Nara Springer Cardenas, from the stories of Roy Alameida. Opening April 8, at 7:30 p.m.; repeating Saturdays, April 15, 22, 29, May 6, 13, at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. An interactive production for very young children, using storytelling and activities to propel ancient Hawaiian legends, with each tale encouraging the use of pre-literary skills —visual, oral and auditory. For ages 3 and older.

• "Go, Dog, Go!" adapted by Allison Gregory and Steven Dietz, from the book by P.D. Eastman. Opening April 15, at 7:30 p.m.; repeating Saturdays, April 22, 29, May 6, 13, and 20, at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. A popular children's picture book is brought to life in a zany musical romp that is sweeping across children's theater in America. For ages 4 and up.

KUMU KAHUA
Specializing in plays with local relevance and themes, reflecting the Island lifestyle

Curtain: 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays.

Venue: Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant St.

Season tickets: $50 for renewing subscribers, $65 for new subscribers.

Individual tickets: $16 general, $13 seniors and groups of 10, $10 students (Thursday tickets: $13 general, $11 seniors, $5 students).

Reservations: 536-4441.

Watch for: Sobering dramas with difficult subjects, but most with happy endings.

The season:

• "Tea," by Velina Hasu Houston, Aug. 25-Sept. 25. A revival of a 1990 Kumu production, directed by Kati Kuroda, about four Japanese women — all post-World War II immigrants with American servicemen husbands — who meet at the home of a fifth, who has committed suicide.

• "Age Sex Location," by Dennis Carroll, Oct. 27-Nov. 27. About four generations of a local family, who confront the complexities and perils of cyberspace, coupled with other challenges — of financial troubles, Alzheimer's and parent-child conflicts.

• "Ulua: The Musical," with book and lyrics by Lee Cataluna and music by Sean T.C. O'Malley, Jan. 12-Feb. 12. A revival of a 1999 Kumu production, dealing with life, love and fishing, and focusing on a local boy, Kayden Asiu, who leaves his job, his Soloflex and his fiancee Lylas on O'ahu, to explore his options on the Valley Island.

• "The Songmaker's Chair," by Albert Wendt, March 16-April 9. About migrant families who have made Auckland and Aotearoa (New Zea-land) their home, amid conflict, continuity and change facing three generations of an extended Samoan family. Sold-out audiences greeted the play at its world premiere in New Zealand recently.

• "Another Heaven," by Eric Anderson, May 18-June 18. The 2001 winner in Kumu Kahua's playwriting competition is based on a true story about racial conflict, ambition and greed in late 19th-century Hawai'i. Katsu Goto, the owner of a general store, tries to help the Japanese plantation workers stand up for their rights against their foreman and the plantation owner, resulting in violence, an investigation and the revelation of long-held secrets.

LEEWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Featuring local, visiting cultural and theatrical programs

Curtain: Varies.

Venue: Mainstage.

Individual tickets: Varies.

Reservations: 455-0385.

Watch for: A selection of ethnic specials.

The season:

• "Brasil Brazil," an evening of sounds of Brazil's Carnaval, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m. $23 adults, $19 students, seniors and military.

• "The Duchess," an adaptation by Phillip Bullington of the John Webster play, Nov. 11, 12, 17-19 at 8 p.m., Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. $15 adults, $13 students. For adults.

• LCC Guitar Concert, directed by Peter Kun Frary, Nov. 20, at 4 p.m. $5.

• LCC Holiday Concert, featuring LCC's Kanikapila Singers and Chorus Program, Nov. 27, at 4 p.m. $5.

• "Nutcracker," by Hawaii Ballet Theatre, Dec. 10 and 17 at 2 and 7 p.m., Dec. 11 and 18 at 4 p.m.

• Lúnasa, a festival honoring the Irish god Lugh, patron of the arts, Jan. 28, at 8 p.m. $23 adults, $19 students, seniors, military.

• "MacHomer," a one-man performance of Shakespeare's "MacBeth," as interpreted by Rick Miller, in the voice of Homer Simpson and others, Feb. 4, at 8 p.m. $20 adults, $16 students, seniors and military.

• Nrityagram Dance Ensemble, featuring an Indian dance company, Feb. 25, at 8 p.m. $23 adults, $19 students, seniors and military.

• Spanish Harlem Orchestra, winner of the best salsa album Grammy Award, March 3, at 8 p.m. $27 adults, $23 students, seniors and military.

• Garth Fagan Dance, featuring the choreographer of "The Lion King," in a repertoire combining modern, ballet and Afro-Caribbean, March 11, at 8 p.m. $27 adults, $23 students, seniors and military.

• Matato'a, a group of dancers and musicians from Rapa Nui (Easter Island), March 24, at 8 p.m. $30 adults, $26 students, seniors and military.

• Fugate/Bahiri Ballet of New York, featuring Judith Fugate and husband Medhi Bahiri, April 8, at 8 p.m. $23 adults, $19 students, seniors and military.

• LCC Guitar Concert, directed by Peter Kun Frary, April 23, at 4 p.m. $5.

LCC Lab Theatre

Venue: Classroom beneath the Mainstage.

Tickets: $5-$8.

Information: 455-0380, http://lcctheatre.hawaii.edu" target="_blank">lcctheatre.hawaii.edu.

The season:

• "Directors Under the Influence," a program of 10-minute short plays, directed by Alvin Chang, Troy Apostle, Reb Allen, Sami Akuna and Harry Wong III, Sept. 1, 2, 3 at 8 p.m.; pre-show interactive performance from 7 p.m. $8 adults, $5 students. For adults.

• "LCC Ten-Minute Play Festival," featuring student-produced shorts, Feb. 10 and 11 at 4 and 8 p.m. $5. For adults.

• One-act play, title to be announced, April 6-8, 13-15 at 8 p.m. $5.

MANOA VALLEY THEATRE
Honolulu's off-Broadway theater

Curtain: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday premieres; repeats at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays.

Venue: Manoa Valley Theatre, 2833 E. Manoa Road.

Season tickets: $125.

Individual tickets: $25 for plays, $30 for musicals, $5 discount for seniors (62 and older) and military; $15 fee for patrons 25 and younger.

Reservations: 988-6131, http://www.manoavalleytheatre.com" target="_blank">www.manoavalleytheatre.com.

Watch for: A triple dose of musicals.

The season:

• "Footloose," Sept. 7-25. A musical by Hawai'i's Dean Pitchford, Walter Bobbie and Tom Snow. The play, based on the film, explores morality in a small farming town, where dancing has been banned by a preacher determined to control the behavior of the town's youths.

• "Flaming Idiots," Nov. 16-Dec. 4. A farce by Tom Rooney. Two former postal workers decide that the ladder to success is missing a few rungs, so they try their inexperienced hands at opening a gourmet health-food restaurant. Across town, a restaurant racks up business since a mobster was shot there, and the operators ponder the notoriety.

• "M. Butterfly," Jan. 11-29. A drama by David Henry Hwang. A theatrical tour de force, drawn from real-life events about a French diplomat in Beijing who falls for Song Liling, a male Chinese opera star disguised as a woman, and a 20-year relationship in which the diplomat never learns what's under the ornate gowns.

• "A Little Night Music," Feb. 22-March 12. A musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler. A sophisticated tribute to the foibles of love, blending memorable tunes with a witty script. It explores the universal vagaries of love, as mismatched European lovers sort out complexities with a wealth of charm and warmth and delectable waltzes.

• "The Foreigner," May 3-21. A comedy by Larry Shue. A group of devious characters deal with a stranger who doesn't speak English. Or does he? This is a comedy of communication, revelations, confessions and complications.

• "Pageant," June 28-July 16. A musical spoof by Robert Longbottom, Bill Russell, Frank Kelly and Albert Evans. Six beauty queens compete in the pageant — glam gowns, bathing suits, song competition — to win the Miss Glamouresse title. A parody of beauty queen competitions, with comic twists galore.

'OHIA PRODUCTIONS
Original family-oriented productions, with music, fusing laughter and drama

Curtain: Varies.

Venue: Hawai'i Theatre and other sites.

Individual tickets: $10, $15, $25.

Reservations: 528-0506, http://www.hawaiitheatre.com" target="_blank">www.hawaiitheatre.com.

The season:

• "The Adventures of Gary & Harry: A Tale of Two Turtles," Sept. 2, 3 and 10 at 7:30 p.m., Sept. 4 and 11 at 4 p.m. A new musical by Lisa Matsumoto and Michael Furuya, with music by Roslyn, about two Hawaiian sea turtles and their undersea escapades, exploring the meaning of friendship.

• "The Christmas Gift of Aloha," a holiday stage musical, 6 p.m. daily except Mondays, Nov. 25-Dec. 23, at Centerstage, Ala Moana Center. Free.

• "Wings of the Islands," April 14, 15, 21, 28 and 29, at 7 p.m., main meadow stage, Honolulu Zoo. Details to be announced.

PALIKU THEATRE

Curtain: Varies.

Venue: Paliku Theatre, Windward Community College.

Individual tickets: Varies.

Reservations: 235-7433.

The season:

• "Barbershop Monologues," an evening of barbershop harmonies, Saturday, at 7 p.m. $18.

• "Hawaiian Music Sundays," Aug. 28 and Sept. 28, at 2 p.m., with Cyril Pahinui, Owana Salazar, Dennis Kamakahi and others.

• "South Pacific," Oct. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic will be directed by Ron Bright.

TIM BOSTOCK PRODUCTIONS
Purveyors of unusual, on-the-edge, experimental and cultural fare

Full season schedule not available.

• "None of the Above," Sept. 10 at 8 p.m., The ARTS at Marks Garage. Featuring Jennifer Lanier, in a comedy that embraces racial, gender and gay-straight identities. $20. 521-9699.

• "CHI — a New Era in Acrobatics," featuring gymnasts, dancers, tumblers and jugglers from the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, Oct. 5-8 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall. $18-$48, discounts for students, seniors and military. (877) 750-4400.

UNIVERSITY OF HAWAI'I-MANOA
Large-scale productions, directed by faculty and guest artists

Mainstage, Kennedy Theatre

Curtain: Varies; Friday premieres.

Venue: Mainstage, Kennedy Theatre

Season tickets: Discounts available through Sept. 1 at box office.

Individual tickets: A ($4, $10, $13, $15); B ($4, $12, $16, $18); C ($4, $8, $9, $10).

Reservations: 956-7655, 944-2697; http://www.hawaii.edu/kennedy" target="_blank">www.hawaii.edu/kennedy; online sales start Sept. 19.

Watch for: Yet another stunning Jingyu (Beijing opera).

The season:

• "The Boy Who Tricked the Moon," which was to open Sept. 30, has been postponed until next season because of a mold infestation problem at Kennedy Theatre. Note: Season brochures list this show; but it will be rescheduled.

• "Battle of Will," Nov. 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 20 at 2 p.m.; pre-show event, Nov. 12 and 19 at 7 p.m. A drama by Laurent Gaud?, translated by David Greig. An American premiere, directed by Markus Wessendorf, about a power struggle between the boss of a criminal organization and a young man whose family was murdered by the boss. Admission: A.

• "Women Generals of the Yang Family," Feb. 10, 11, 15-18 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.; pre-show event, Feb. 11 and 18, at 7 p.m. An American premiere of a work originally written and arranged by L. Ruiming and translated and performed in English by Elizabeth Wichmann-Walczak (who worked with Huimei Chang on translation). A full-length Jingju (Beijing opera), combining martial displays and live music, singing, and colorful costumes, about an emperor preparing to surrender because the last male general has been killed in battle, with the women of the Yang family about to take up arms. Admission: B.

• "Annual Dance Concert," March 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and March 26 at 2 p.m.; pre-show event, March 18 and 25, at 7 p.m. Featuring choreography by UH faculty, performed by students, directed by Betsy Fisher; includes the Hawai'i premiere of Alwin Nikolai's "Cat's Cradle" (utilizing long elastic bands). Admission: A.

• "Rhinoceros," April 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and April 30 at 2 p.m.; pre-show event, April, 22 and 29, at 7 p.m. Hawai'i premiere of a Eugene Ionesco work, directed by Glenn Cannon. A funny yet savage commentary on the absurdity of the human condition, made tolerable by self-delusion. Admission: A.

Special event:

• "Jim Gamble and his Puppets," Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. Puppeteer Gamble and his band of engaging marionettes return to woo the hearts of young and old alike. Admission: C.

Prime Time, Ernst Lab Theatre
Productions by master's students in directing; Asian and dance theater

Curtain: 8 p.m. most days, 2 p.m. Sundays.

Individual tickets: $10 adults, $9 seniors, military, UH faculty and staff; $3 UH students; at the door.

Information: 956-7655.

Watch for: A lab theater reincarnation of Audrey, the man-eater.

The season:

• "Vinegar Tom," Sept. 7-10 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 11 at 2 p.m.; post-show rap Sept. 9. A drama by Caryl Churchill, directed by Lurana Donnels O'Malley. A provocative production that juxtaposes two eras, with scenes from the English witch hunts of the 1650s and modern songs in the style of 1950s American pop music. With live music by Sean T.C. O'Malley.

• "Fall Footholds," Oct. 19-22 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 2 p.m.; post-show rap Oct. 21. Featuring choreography by MFA dance candidate Marissa Glorioso.

• "The Little Shop of Horrors," Nov. 30 and Dec. 1-3 at 8 p.m.; and Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.; post-show rap Dec. 2. Musical about a nerdish flower-shop assistant whose dreams come true when he encounters the carnivorous desires of a blood-thirsty plant named Audrey II.

• "The Ravanayana," March 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and March 5 at 2 p.m.; post-show rap March 10. A world premiere written and directed by M.A. Richard. The myth of Rama, as a Bollywood film noir, told from the point of view of Ravana, Rama's nemesis, through a mix of stylized music, set in a 1940s nightclub environment.

• "Spring Footholds," May 3-6 at 8 p.m. and May 7 at 2 p.m.; post-show rap May 5. Featuring choreography by undergraduate and graduate dance students.

Late Night, Ernst Lab Theatre
Innovative student-directed, bare-bones theater

Curtain: 11 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Individual tickets: $8 adults, $7 seniors, military, UH faculty and staff; $3 UH students; at the door.

Information: 956-7655.

The season:

• "No Exit," by Jean-Paul Sartre. Nov. 12, 18, 19 at 11 p.m. and Nov. 13 at 8 p.m.; post-show rap Nov. 18. Directed by Kris Fitzgerald. Sartre's existentialist drama, reset in our turbulent times, with a closeted gay man, a lesbian and a murderess struggling to understand their "Christian"-assigned purgatory.

(Spring plays will be announced later.)

OUT-OF-TOWNER

"A Chorus Line," Oct. 18-23, Hawai'i Theatre. The Tony Award-winning musical returns in a presentation by Encore Attractions and Tom Moffatt Productions. Details to be announced. 528-0506.