Performances will begin Dec. 13 at Off-Broadway Lucille Lortel Theatre with an official opening Dec. 17. The limited engagement — under the direction of Peter Flynn — will play through Jan. 20, 2007. Henry and Mudge, which features music by Brian Lowdermilk and book and lyrics by Kait Kerrigan, will boast a cast led by Jennifer Cody as Annie, Patrick Boll as Dad, Joseph A. Morales as Henry, Joan Hess as Mom and Todd Buonopane as Mudge. The creative team will also include Devanand Janki (choreography), Paul Weimer (scenic design), Rob Bevenger (costume design), Jeff Croiter (lighting design), Eric Shim (sound design) and Lowdermilk (orchestrations).

The musical, according to press notes, is described thusly: "Moving from the city to a new house in the country can be tough. Just ask Henry. He misses Annie, his cousin and best friend, and can't find a playmate in his new neighborhood. Luckily Mom and Dad buy him a great, big, slobberly dog — Mudge — with whom he can share all kinds of adventures. It looks like Henry and Mudge will be best friends forever, until Annie arrives for a visit. Will Annie come between a boy and his dog? Can a kid have two best friends?"

Lucille Lortel Theatre is located in Manhattan at 121 Christopher Street. Tickets, priced at $25, are available by calling (212) 279-4200. The production is recommended for ages four and up.

*

Theatreworks/USA is America's foremost not-for-profit professional theatre for family audiences. Visit www.TheatreworksUSA.org for more information.