Three classic musicals, one relatively new one and two children's shows comprise the 2000-2001 season announced by Musical Theatre West, which works out of the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. The company's 48th season will open Nov. 10-19 with a production of Children of Eden, the latest musical from the pens of Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and John Caird (book). Schwartz is the creator of Godspell and Pippin.

The Sondheim-Gelbart-Shrevelove A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum follows Feb. 23-March 4, 2001. Brigadoon, starring Dale Kristien and Alan Campbell, checks in April 27-May 6, with Singin' In the Rain filling the July 13-22 slot. Adapted by Betty Comden and Adolph Green from their MGM screenplay, the musical has songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed.

Kristien will also star in MTW's Dec. 8 Christmas show, Home for the Holidays. Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will be revived July 20-23, 2001, by MTW's Summer Youth Conservancy, with all performances scheduled at a new outdoor ampitheatre in Signal Hill.

Music Theatre West's head office is located at 1800 Palo Verde Ave. For tickets and information call (562) 430-2324.

-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent