The line-up includes one show that may become a Christmastime tradition at the Court. James Joyce's The Dead, the unusual and poignant musical by Irish composer Shaun Davey and playwright Richard Nelson, which had its Chicago debut at the Court in late 2002, returns to the theatre Nov. 28-Dec. 28, 2003. The company describes the production as a "revival of a new holiday tradition." The Dead is based on Joyce's classic, contemplative short story about a group of relatives and friends who gather one cold Dublin night for a holiday celebration. Charles Newell directs, as he did previously.

Hot Chicago musical director Gary Griffin will try his hand at Frank Loesser's immortal tale of Runyoneque Times Square, Guys and Dolls. Griffin, who has been much acclaimed for the Windy City work with musicals by Sondheim, recently took his rendition of Pacific Overtures to London, and is attached to the Broadway-bound musical, The Color Purple. Guys and Dolls will run Jan. 22-March 28, 2004.

The Court season begins with Sound of a Voice, an opera by Philip Glass and David Henry Hwang, directed by Robert Woodruff. Inspired by Japanese ghost stories, The Sound of a Voice delves into the dreams and fantasies of a Japanese writer and an aging warrior. It has already played Cambridge's American Repertory Theatre, where Woodruff is artistic director. Dates are Sept. 25-Nov. 2.

The season is concluded by Cyrano, Jim Lasko and Charles Newell's adaptation of Edmond Rostand's play of a knight with a prominent nose and a secret love. The co-production with Redmoon Theater runs May 20-June 20.

A fifth play is yet to be announced. The Court Theatre is at 5535 S Ellis Ave in Chicago. Call (773) 753-4472.