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Meanwhile, The Western Stage (TWS) launches into its fourth decade with The Time of Your Life (June 9-July 2), William Saroyan’s Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy about Nick’s waterfront saloon in San Francisco. Then in July, TWS follows with the charming musical comedy Meet Me in St. Louis (July 15-Aug. 5), the stage version of the classic MGM film.

Unwilling to give PacRep a monopoly on the Bard, TWS presents Shakespeare in Hollywood (Aug. 4-27) a comedy which follows the Midsummer fairies Oberon and Puck through the glamorous Hollywood set of Max Reinhardt’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Then it’s the season’s crown jewel, Big River, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Oct. 7-28), a sumptuous musical production of Mark Twain’s beloved classic. Tom Stoppard’s verbal and theatrical acrobatics make The Real Thing (Sept. 15-Oct. 8) the must-see studio theater production of the season. While in late October, TWS tackles Inherit the Wind (Oct. 27-Nov. 9), the courtroom drama inspired by the legendary 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial. Finally TWS wraps 2006 up with Oliver! (Dec. 1-17), the hit musical inspired by Dickens’ groundbreaking novel of orphan and social change.