The Ritz Theatre in Oaklyn, NJ, is celebrating its 70th Anniversary with a production of Julie Styne's Funny Girl, running Jan. 10 through Feb. 8.

To add to the celebration, the theatre will celebrate others' 70th birthdays, by seeking to honor one person at each performance who, like the Ritz, was born in 1927 and has given much to the community, while still living life to the fullest.

Puttin' on the Ritz production company begins its 12th season at the 70 year old theatre. The musical about Follies-girl Fanny Brice, who journeys from starvation to stardom in the earlier decades of the century, is the perfect one to honor the occasion. According to Bruce A. Curless, producing director of the Ritz, "Fanny Brice epitomizes the era in which the Ritz Theatre was built and reached its hey-day, so Funny Girl is the ideal musical to begin our celebration."

Individuals and groups are invited to submit the names and short descriptions of the persons born in 1927 they wish to be honored. Representatives from all over South Jersey are being sought, and at least 15 will be chosen.

During the run of Funny Girl, slides of past Ritz productions will be shown in the auditorium, and memorabilia will be on display in The Gallery. Puttin' on the Ritz has also begun it's $50,000 drive, seeking private donations to continue it's 11 year existence.

For tickets or more information, please refer to the regional listing for Puttin' on the Ritz on Playbill On-Line.

--By Blair Glaser