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Variety's the password for the Muny 2008

This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: June 13, 2008 - What place equals summer in St. Louis?

The Zoo? Ah, but go in the winter and see the bears and the snow leopards.

Ted Drewes? Of course, but its frozen custard is available at grocery stores throughout the area.

The Muny ? There's nothing like it.

This year's schedule, which kicks off Monday (June 16), is full of variety. All shows start at 8:15 p.m. Call 314-534-111 for tickets or go to Metrotix .

First up is Mel Brooks' zany, dynamic "The Producers." You may surprise yourself by walking out humming "Springtime for Hitler." "The Producers" runs from June 16-22.

"High School Musical" has become a modern phenomenon. From "Start of Something New" through up-beat tunes, such as "Get'cha Head in the Game," "High School Musical" is family friendly and fun. It takes over the Muny stage from June 23-July 2

"My Fair Lady" is a must-see for those who love musical theater. "Wouldn't it be Loverly" to be "On the Street Where You Live" as "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face." The singable songs just keep coming. You can hear them July 7-13.

"90 Years of Muny Magic" will no doubt be marvelous. But how can it touch everyone's favorite Muny memory -- such as the evening in 1966 or '70 when Ty Harden walked to the edge of a soggy stage and modified the words in "Oklahoma!" to sing, "Don't sit in the rain with me, people will say we're in love"? Find your memory from July 14-20.

The modern Madame Butterfly takes the stage with "Miss Saigon." It made a splash for having a helicopter on stage, which wouldn't get as much attention at the Muny. But songs such as "The Heat Is on in Saigon," "The Movie in My Mind," "Why God Why," "The Last Night of the World" and "I Still Believe" continue to demand respect. "Miss Saigon" plays July 21-27.

"My One and Only" takes such timeless Gershwin tunes as " 'S Wonderful," "Funny Face" and "Nice Work if You Can Get It" and puts them together in a Tommy Tune creation that is light and lively. "Only" runs from July 28-Aug. 3.

"Fiddler on the Roof" brings ""Sunrise, Sunset" to the Muny season. It's haunting score and story of family, pride and prejudice is timeless. The last show of the season, it runs from Aug. 4-10.