Hats! Musical, with Songs by Krieger, Etc., to Debut in CO

Hats! The Red Hat Society Musical, featuring the songs of a variety of acclaimed composers and lyricists, will receive its world premiere at the New Denver Civic Center in Colorado. It will open on October 11th after beginning previews on October 7th.

Hats! is written by husband-and-wife team Marcia Milgrom Dodge and Anthony Dodge, and boasts original music by several Tony Award nominated composers, including Susan Birkenhead (Jelly's Last Jam, Triumph Of Love), Gretchen Cryer (I'm Getting My Act Together And Taking It On The Road), Henry Krieger (Dreamgirls, Side Show), Melissa Manchester (I Sent a Letter to My Love), Pam Tillis, Kathie Lee Gifford (Under the Bridge) and Carol Hall (The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas). Tony-nominee Lynne Taylor-Corbett (Swing!) is set to direct and choreograph.

The show concerns a "49.999 year old woman who reluctantly faces the inevitable big five-O birthday until she meets several remarkable Red Hat Society women who show her about fun and friendship after 50," according to press notes. "The Red Hat Society officially formed in 1998 when Sue Ellen Cooper and a group of five friends, dressed in purple clothing and red hats met for afternoon tea. The word quickly spread, and over the past eight years, The Red Hat Society has become the fastest and largest growing women's movement in the United States. The Red Hat Society has created a worldwide sisterhood by forming more than 40,000 chapters across all 50 states, and in 30 countries, including Canada, Australia, Mexico, and as far as Japan and Egypt."

The Denver Civic Center is located at 721 Sante Fe Drive. Tickets are $39.50; call (303) 309-3773 or visit www.ticketswest.com.