Pucker up. San Francisco's Magic Theatre will open the world premiere of Emma Donoghue's new play, Kissing the Witch, June 9 for a run through June 25. Kent Nicholson (Stones In My Pocket) directs. Like Sondheim's Into the Woods, Kissing the Witch, re-envisions classic fairy tales through modern eyes. Here, witches prove neither wicked nor good, and all women struggle to find their own happiness.

Donoghue based Witch on her 1997 novel in which her strong, sensual heroines, some lesbian, some not, search through such time tested tales as "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast," for their destiny and their joy. Donoghue is the author of the plays I Know My Own Heart and Tresspasse and the musical Ladies and Gentleman.

All the actors in Witch play multiple roles. The company features Cambron Williams, Margaret Schenck, Emily Ackerman and Mark Phillips.

Tickets are $30-$25. The Magic Theatre is located in Building D at the Fort Mason Center on Marina Boulevard. For reservations, (415) 441-8822. The Magic Theatre is on line at http://www.magictheatre.org.

-- By Christine Ehren