See it first

Theatre at the Center and artistic Director William Pullinsi not only revealed the 2008 season on Friday, but also announced a world premiere set for spring 2008 for a musical based on the life of Notre Dame football legend Knute Rockne.

"Rockne of Notre Dame" previews April 3, 2008, and officially opens April 10 and runs through May 11.

Based on the play and miniseries by Buddy Farmer, with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler and David Bell, "Rockne of Notre Dame" is a biographical musical chronicling the life of beloved Notre Dame icon Knute Rockne. Rockne, the legendary football coach known for his sportsmanship, was one of the most innovative and charismatic coaches of his era, and the musical recounts his many accomplishments and milestones at the helm of America's most famous football team. From his childhood as a Norwegian immigrant playing football on the sandlots of Chicago's Logan Square to his 13-year coaching tenure at Notre Dame, Rockne revolutionized the game and led his team to five undefeated seasons and the 1925 Rose Bowl championship.

Also on Theatre at the Center's slate, the Tony-Award winning costume extravaganza "La Cage aux Folles" previews Jan. 31, 2008, opens Feb. 7 and runs through March 9.

Next up, "Phantom," the musical inspired by "The Phantom of the Opera," previews July 10, 2008, opens July 17 and runs through Aug. 17. Then, it's the hilarious, Tony-Award winning musical comedy from Mel Brooks, "The Producers," which will preview Sept. 11, 2008, and then open Sept. 18 and run through Oct. 19. Finishing up the season is one of my personal favorites, "A Wonderful Life," the stage musical version of the Frank Capra classic. It will preview Nov. 13, 2008, and opens Nov. 20 and run through Dec. 21.

Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center has grown into a year-round professional equity theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster.

Individual performance ticket prices for the 2008 season are $36 to $40. Season subscriptions are available for $150. Call the box office at (219) 836-3255 or visit www.theatreatthecenter.org.

Just add Waters

Meet cast members from the underground comedy hit film "Eating Out 2: Sloppy Seconds" as they celebrate the movie's DVD release this weekend. Actress Mink Stole, 60, who has appeared in several of director John Waters' films, including originating the role of Tammy Turner in the 1988 film "Hairspray," will join her costar Jim Verraros, a native of Crystal Lake, Ill., who finished in the top 10 on the first season of FOX's "American Idol," at 2 p.m. today at Borders Books and Music, 2817 N. Clark St. in Chicago. Call (773) 935-3909 or visit www.bordersstores.com for details.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

celebBirthdays

Actor Darryl Hickman is 76. Actor Charles Cyphers ("Halloween I and II") is 68. Cartoon voice-over actor Phil Proctor is 67. Keyboardist Rick Wright of Pink Floyd is 64. NBA star and former U.S. Sen. Bill Bradley is 63. Cartoonist Jim Davis ("Garfield") is 62. Actress Linda Kelsey ("Lou Grant") and singer Jonathan Edwards are 61. Actresses Sally Struthers and Georgia Engel ("The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Coach") and musician Gerald V. Casale of Devo are 59. Drummer Simon Kirke of Bad Company is 58. Guitarist Steve Morse of Deep Purple is 53. Actress Brianne Leary ("CHIPs") is 48. Actor Michael Hayden ("Murder One") is 44. Actress Elizabeth Berkley ("Showgirls," "Saved By The Bell") is 35. Singer Afroman is 33. Drummer Todd Anderson of Heartland is 32.