CROWNS, a play written by REGINA TAYLOR that's based on the book by MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM and CRAIG MARBERRY hit the boards on Friday, September 22. The show is a celebration of African-American church women... and their hats. Billed as a "stand up and testify" musical, it includes stories, dance, jazz, blues, and gospel music in its offerings. I've been told that the opening night house was almost sold out, which means that seats may be hard to come by later in the run. The show closes on October 4, but with a slated performance schedule of Tuesdays through Sundays, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday, there should be enough seats available if you make your reservations early.

The next offering for the Hampton Roads audience is the BERNARD POMERANCE play THE ELEPHANT MAN. Based on the true story of JOHN MERRICK, a terribly deformed 19th century Englishman, it none the less is a triumphal story about the human spirit. MERRICK was quite intelligent and very sensitive, to the complete surprise of those who only saw the deformity, and proved that human dignity was about more than appearance.

This show won three Tony Awards, and has captured every major drama award available. This should be a production not to be missed.

Ah December! And if it's December can A CHRISTMAS CAROL be far behind? VSC will present this annual favorite again this year, using the DAVID MCCANN adaptation of the familiar Charles Dickens story. Running from Dec. 8 through Dec. 23, we get to see once more Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and all the ghosts of Christmas. The final dress rehearsal is on the 3rd, with previews on Dec. 6 and 7. Bring the whole family for this one. Almost guaranteed to be a sell out, so get your tickets early!

A new year and a new show. INDOOR/OUTDOOR is a new comedy by KENNY FINCKLE which will grace the stage from January 19 through February 4. The final dress is on the 14th, with previews on the 16th through the 18th. This show examines "the humorous side of man's relationship with his feline house-mate." Believe it or not it's a romantic comedy, and one that cat lovers (sorry I'm not one) are sure to enjoy.

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD takes the stage from March 2 through March 18. The best deal in tickets happens once more with the "pay what you can" dress rehearsal on the 25th of February, and preview nights are the 27th, 28th, and March 1. Widely acknowledged as an American classic, the tale of ATTICUS FINCH, as told by his daughter SCOUT, is one that resonates to this day. The Pulitzer Prize winning show is one of those "can't miss" types, and every parent who values truth and justice need to take their children to see this play.

Written and directed by CHRIS HANNA, "KING LEAR THE STORM AT HOME" is based on Shakespeare's work and from interviews with Hampton Roads' senior community, their families, and eldercare professionals. What promises to be an interesting pairing of observations about joy, sorrow, and humor of aging should prove rather poignent. Their dress rehearsal is on April 1 (no fooling!), with preview nights slated for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Opening night is the 6th and it will run through the 22nd.

And finally, THE REDUCED SHAKESPEARE COMPANY brings us THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED). Appearing for an all too brief time this well loved comedy troupe brings the REED MARTIN, AUSTIN TICHENOR play to Hampton Roads from April 25 through the 29th.

If you've ever laughed so hard that milk came out your nose (if you were drinking milk that is!) then you have an idea of how funny these guys can be.

VSC's box office can be reached by calling 757-627-1234, or Ticketmaster at 757-671-8100. Subscriptions are available for a limited time. Groups rates start at 10 or more, with a 25% discount. For more information online, or to purchase tickets, go to www.vastage.com. Simply click on the "Tickets" link in the upper left corner to reserve your seats for what promises to be one of the best theatre seasons offered in quite a while.