Ralph Allen, the creator of Broadway's hit burlesque revue, Sugar Babies, is hoping lightning strikes twice with Scandals, a new vaudeville-style revue beginning performances Nov. 17 at TheatreVirginia.

Film, stage and TV actor Dick Van Patten is the headliner in the collection of sketches and songs from the heyday of the American variety stage. Songs, dance, comedy and show girls are all part of the mix, considered by TheatreVirginia artistic director George Black to be the most lavish show in the history of the nonprofit company.

Official opening is Nov. 26. Performances continue to Dec. 18.

The show is being nurtured at the Richmond, VA, resident company, but there is interest by commercial producers for the possibility of a national tour and perhaps a New York booking. The show was created and developed by Allen, an expert on American vaudeville and a Tony Award nominee for the book of Sugar Babies, and director- choreographer Danny Daniels, a Tony winner for The Tap Dance Kid.

Robert Fitch, remembered as Rooster in the original Broadway production of Annie, also stars, along with Jerold Goldstein, Mylinda Hull, Darrin Baker and Richard Ruiz. The company also includes Kimberly Breault, Jennifer Clippinger, Maria Davidson, Bill Davis, Melissa Giattini, Nadine Isenegger, Heather Morris and Kristi Rau. Designers are Harry Feiner (set and lighting) and George Sarofeen (costume).

Musical director is Terry Waldo and the dance and music arranger is Peter Howard, who wrote the dance arrangements for the Broadway revival of Chicago.

For ticket information, call toll-free, (877) 353-6161.

-- By Kenneth Jones