Mann Hall announces Variety Series

It will be a "Wickedly" good season at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall for the 2008-2009 Broadway and Variety Series.

"This season we have something for everyone," said Scott Saxon, Mann Hall general manager. "From legends to contemporary, classic rock to comedy, it's plenty of entertainment for the whole family."

"Wicked," the smash Broadway hit that tells the untold story of the Witches of Oz, headlines the 2008-09 Broadway Series at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

The Variety Series complements a previously announced Broadway Series consisting of "Rain, A Tribute to the Beatles," Jan. 13-18; "Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street," which was the basis for the Johnny Depp/Tim Burton movie, Jan. 27-Feb. 1; "Wicked," March 7-29; "The Pajama Game," April 7-11; and "Fiddler on the Roof," starring Topol, April 21-26.

In addition, a special Broadway production has been added with the launching of the national tour for "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" on Nov. 15 and 16.

The Variety Series for November and December is: . Chitty Chitty Bang Band - Nov. 15 and 16 . Edison Jazz Ensemble - Nov. 17 . Tom Brokaw - Nov. 18 . Pride and Patriotism/Lee County Schools - Nov. 19 . Bob Weir and Ratdog - Nov. 21 . Southwest Florida Symphony, Symphony Spectacular - Nov. 22 and 23 . Edison Jazz Ensemble - Nov. 24 . Southwest Florida Symphony, Hello Hollywood - Dec. 5 and 6 Spirit of the Gulf - Dec. 7 . Southwest Florida Symphony, A Very Merry Pops - Dec. 20 and 21 . Christmas Carol - Dec. 22 . Moscow Ballet The Nutcracker - Dec. 26 . Gulf Coast Symphony, New Year's Eve Gala and Concert - Dec. 31

Single tickets are on sale and may be purchased by calling the box office at (239) 481-4849, the toll free number (800) 440-7469, online at www.bbmannpah. com or by mail. Tickets go on sale Oct. 25 at the box office.

Season tickets, which allow patrons the best seats and many other exclusive benefits, are also available for the Broadway Series and Variety Series and are available by calling the box office at (239) 481-4849, our toll free number (800) 440-7469; fax to (239) 489-0326 or by mail. Groups of 20 or more, call Lois at (239) 489-3033, ext. 3122.