If you're in the mood for something a little different than the standard dinner-and-a-movie outing, then look no further than Orangeburg's BlueBird Theatre for local talent at its best.

Rehearsals are in full swing for the first show of the Orangeburg Part-Time Players' 28th season, "Of Mice and Men," which will be held Fridays through Sundays, March 7-16, at its home in downtown Orangeburg. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays.

Patrons have until the show's closing night, Sunday, March 16, to purchase season tickets for what promises to be a spectacular season for the theater troupe.

"I think the upcoming season is very exciting," said Michael Crawford, longtime OPTP member and season ticket manager. "We're doing something different with the well-known drama 'Of Mice and Men' starting it off. 'Jesus Christ Superstar' -- when we did this in 2001, we had nine sold-out performances, and it is the highest-attended show that we have ever done. It is a phenomenal show.

"'Moon Over Buffalo' is a hilarious comedy, and we're ending with 'The Music Man,' another great show."

Season tickets for the 2008 line-up are $54 for adults and $46 for children 16 years of age and younger and seniors 55 years of age and older. Individual ticket prices are $10 for children and seniors and $12 for adults for nonmusicals, and $15 for children and seniors and $17 for adults for musicals.

While the cost of tickets has increased, Crawford said the new prices are still a bargain.

"In our research, we are one of the least expensive community theaters in the state," he said. "To guarantee that you have a seat, you need to buy season tickets, because over our last couple of seasons, ticket sales have really gone through the roof, and availability gets more difficult."

For patrons who have held season tickets in the past, the deadline to renew those seats -- same row, seat number and performance -- for this season is Friday, Feb. 15.

"Even if you call me and say, 'I still want my tickets, and my check is in the mail,' I will still honor that," Crawford said. After that date, season tickets will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis.

OPTP and Junior Orangeburg Part-Time Players memberships are also available for $5 for youth ages 6 to 16, $10 for adults and $25 for families. Members of OPTP and JrOPTP are offered opportunities to participate in theater through live performance and education workshops. Members are also given voting privileges in the group. Interested individuals do not have to be performers to get involved in the OPTP. Memberships are accepted throughout the year.

THE SEASON, IN BRIEF

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"

Of Mice and Men

," written by John Steinbeck and directed by Jacqueline Skubal, explores the close frie-ip between two migrant workers, Lennie and George, who roam California looking for work during the Great Depression. Lennie is a man with the strength of two, but with the mind of a child, whose whole world centers around George, his guide and protector.

The themes of loneliness, unfulfilled dreams and racism are explored in a story simply told, transforming this classic of American literature into a gripping and emotional theatre experience.

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One of the most popular and enduring works ever created for the musical theatre, "

Jesus Christ Superstar

" dramatizes Jesus of Nazareth's entry into Jerusalem, the unrest caused by his preaching and popularity, his betrayal by Judas Iscariot, the trial before Pontius Pilate, and his ultimate crucifixion. With music and lyrics by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, and directed by Fred Boatwright with musical direction by Kay Crawford, "JCS" features such notable songs as "Superstar," "Everything's Alright" and "I Don't Know How to Love Him."

Perpetually changing the face of musical theater, five-time Tony Award-nominee "Jesus Christ Superstar" will leave audiences captivated by its power. "JCS" will be at the BlueBird Fridays through Sundays, June 13-22.

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"

Moon Over Buffalo

" is the story of Charlotte and George Hay, an acting couple on tour in Buffalo in 1953 with a repertory theater. Fate has given these thespians one more shot at starring roles in "The Scarlet Pimpernel," and director Frank Capra himself is in route to Buffalo to catch their matinee performance. Hilarious misunderstandings and madcap misadventures occur, all of which are magnified by Charlotte's deaf mother who manages the theater.

"Moon Over Buffalo," written by Ken Ludwig and directed by Richard Smoak, will be presented Fridays through Sundays, Aug. 15-24.

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Fast-talking salesman Harold Hill cons Iowa townsfolk into buying musical instruments in "

The Music Man

," an all-American musical based on a story by Meredith Wilson and Franklin Lacey and directed by Michael Crawford, with musical direction by Kay Crawford. Favorites such as "Ya Got Trouble," "Good Night My Someone," "Seventy-Six Trombones" and "Till There was You" accompany the show in which love prevails, as Hill falls in love instead of skipping town and is transformed into a model River City citizen.

Catch "The Music Man" at the BlueBird, Fridays through Sundays, Nov. 14-23.

A JrOPTP production, to be announced, is set for July. That show is not included in the season ticket price.

For more information about upcoming shows, auditions or season tickets, call Michael Crawford at 803-536-9821 or the BlueBird Theatre at 803-536-5454.

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T&D Features Editor Wendy Jeffcoat Crider can be reached by e-mail at wjeffcoat@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5546. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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