Wisconsin's Madison Repertory Theatre sailed into its 28th season July 25, with the hit musical comedy Dames at Sea, running through Aug. 31.

Dames pays fond, satirical tribute to the frothy musicals of the 1920s and 1930s, with a special tribute to choreographer Busby Berkeley. During the height of America's Great Depression, Berkeley's films furnished an escape into a world filled with music and dance, beauty and optimism. Audiences couldn't get enough of the lavish productions with simple plots (the story of a small town girl with dreams of stardom) and consistently happy endings.

With the idea of shrinking one of Berkeley's grand creations onto a stage with a tiny cast, George Haimsohn, Robin Miller, and Jim Wise created Dames..., which became the hit of the 1968 off-Broadway season.

Dames... docks at MRT under the direction of Pam Kriger (director of the off-Broadway production of Zombies from the Beyond). The experienced regional cast includes Tonya Kay, Tony Clements, Carolynne Warren, Becky Spice, John Staniunas, and Norman Moses.

Dames at Sea will be presented July 25-Aug. 31 in the Isthmus Playhouse of the Madison Civic Center. Post-performance discussions will be held after the Sunday, July 27 and the Wednesday, Aug. 6 performances, and will be open to the public. In addition, MRT will be hosting a benefit performance on Aug. 24. Tickets for the performance will be $25, and all profits will be donated to local AIDS charities. For tickets or more information, call (608) 266-9055 or refer to the Madison Repertory Theatre in the regional listings of Playbill On-Line. --By Jackie Mastropolo