"The new season is full of transformations — some obvious, some not," said John Rampage, DHT artistic director. "Transformations range from steelworkers into strippers (in "The Full Monty," the musical based on the hit film, and a DHT Hawai'i premiere), from a happily-ever-after fairytale characters into real people ("Into the Woods," a popular Stephen Sondheim award-winning musical that retells some classic fare). In one show, we are even transforming the audience into part of the action ("Drood," in which viewers get to decide the way the play ends)."

Saturday matinees — 3 p.m. performances, on the second and third Saturday during the run — will be new play dates.

Disney's "Aladdin Jr.," a musical about Aladdin and Jasmine and their magic carpet ride, will be a first; a touch of Broadway currency will be provided in the revival of "La Cage Aux Folles," the Tony Award-winning show just launched in a new production on the Great White Way.

Disney only recently made rights available to its "Aladdin" musical that has yet to play the commercial stage circuit but has been a big hit at its California Adventure theme park's Hyperion Theatre.

"I think it's perfect for us," said Rampage of "Aladdin Jr.," which has that peculiar tag for a reason. "There is a restriction on casting; actors have to be under 18, but with our Shooting Stars and education program, I don't think it will be a challenge. We have many young teen performers who are so talented."

DHT will be the first local theater to present the Broadway hit, "The Full Monty," rights for which were secured a year ago. And there will be the requisite nudity, just before the final curtain, said Rampage. "You can't do 'The Full Monty' without the full monty," he said of the climactic scene, were the actors bare it all, "and nobody has said 'I won't do it' for that reason."

The season at a glance:

• "The Full Monty," Sept. 23 through Oct. 9. Based on the hit film, with music and lyrics by David Yazbek and book by Terrence McNally. About an eclectic group of 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.

• "Aladdin Jr.," Dec. 2 through 18. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, book adapted by Jim Luigs and music adapted by Bryan Louiselle; based on the screenplay by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio. 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 through 19. A romantic comedy by Matthew Barber, based on the noel by Elizabeth von Arnim. An old-fashioned charmer, with humor and warmth, set in 1922 and dealing with two married British women trapped in tired, humdrum lives, who seize a chance to pool their resources for a month's rental in 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 through April 9. With book, music and lyrics by Rupert Holmes. 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. Winner of both a Tony and Drama Desk award.

• "La Cage aux Folles," May 19 through June 4. With music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, book by Harvey Fierstein, based on the play by Jean Poiret. 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. The score boasts such hits as "I Am What I Am" and "The Best of Times." Winner of six Tony Awards, including best musical.

• "Into the Woods," July 14 through 30. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and book by James Lapine. 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. The cockeyed vision still offers lessons about responsibilities and life.