Shorenstein Hays Nederlander Theatres, overseen by Carole Shorenstein Hays and Robert Nederlander, present the series that peppers its seasons with audience favorites, world premieres and launches of anticipated Broadway touring productions.

The Best of Broadway series will mark the return of blockbuster musicals like The Phantom of the Opera (November 2008–January 2009), which will be followed by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman's Wicked in February 2009 at the Orpheum Theatre. The reality television-fueled production of Grease will also make a stop at the Golden Gate Theatre in March 2009.

Hot items on the Best of Broadway roster are the national tour of Tracy Letts' August: Osage County, which launches at San Francisco's Curran Theatre Aug. 11-Sept. 6, 2009. The Steppenwolf ensemble piece – considered by many to be a 2008 Best Play Tony front-runner – has garnered raves from Chicago and New York critics.

In April of 2009, the Curran Theatre will host the world premiere musical Ever After. Adapted from the 1998 film starring Drew Barrymore, Ever After features a score by Zina Goldrich and Marcy Heisler. Mauritius playwright Theresa Rebeck has been enlisted to co-write the book with Heisler.

Tony Award-winning Doubt director Doug Hughes, who also staged Rebeck's Mauritius on Broadway, will helm the debut of the romantic Cinderella-inspired tale. (Tony winner Rob Ashford [Thoroughly Modern Millie, Cry-Baby] had been previously mentioned as the choreographer for Ever After.) SHN also promises to announce a fifth "blockbuster production" this July.

Casting for August: Osage County and Ever After have yet to be announced. SHN's Best of Broadway will announce exact dates for its touring engagements in the near future.

For season tickets and further information visit www.shnsf.com.