Getting the jump on the producers' official announcement of upcoming tour dates, Colorado's Denver Center has promised subscribers such shows Barrymore, Ragtime and Rent as part of its 1998 season. Ten shows are promised for the Center, located at 1245 Champa St.

Here's the line-up:
Bring In `Da Noise/Bring In `Da Funk (Jan. 7-25, 1998)
National tour of the Broadway hit, with George C. Wolfe again directing & Savion Glover choreographing but no longer starring. The show looks at Black-American history through tap dance.

Big (Feb. 3-8, 1998)
No time to "Stop Time," it's the national tour of Big, with creators John Weidman, Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire hoping, via revisions, to reverse the show's disappointing fortunes on Broadway. Jim Newman (Josh) and Tony-nominee Brett Tabisel star in the tour.

Annie (March 10-22, 1998)
Currently at Broadway's Martin Beck Theatre for two more weeks, Annie then packs up and hits the road for many "Tomorrows", with Nell Carter repeating her role as Miss Hannigan.

Blue Suede Shoes (April 7-19, 1998)
Elvis lives! -- thanks to Cleveland Ballet and San Jose Ballet, choreographing this compilation of such Presley-covered tunes as "Hound Dog" and "Heartbreak Hotel." Chicago (May 26-June 14, 1998)
John Kander, Fred Ebb, and all that jazz come to town in this tour of the Tony-winning revival.

Red Hot Mama: The Sophie Tucker Story (June 1998)
A return to the Ricketson Theatre by Sharon McKnight (Starmites) in her tribute to bawdy comedienne, Sophie Tucker.

Barrymore (July 7-Aug. 2, 1998)
Official tour dates have yet to be announced, but Denver Center has scheduled this biographical comedy/drama and its Tony-winning star, Christopher Plummer. William Luce's play catches famous actor John Barrymore well into his drunken downslide.

Footloose (July 21-Aug. 2, 1998)
Before it comes to NYC's Madison Square Garden Theatre, this adaptation of the film musical, Footloose, will play the Buell Theatre. It's the story of rebellion in small town America -- with nine new songs.

Ragtime (Aug. 1998)
After sensational reviews in Toronto and California (where it's still in an open run), and a Broadway opening set for Jan. 18, 1998, Ragtime will spin off another company for a six week engagement in Denver. Based on E.L. Doctorow's novel, Ragtime features a libretto by Terrence McNally.

Riverdance (Nov. 19-Dec. 6, 1998)
Flash, kicks and lots of razzle-dazzle -- all in the service of semi traditional Irish dance.

Rent (Dec. 9-Jan. 3, 1999)
Jonathan Larson died before his modern musical made it to Broadway, but the Tony-winning show continues to flourish after him. La Vie Boheme!

For tickets ($135-$516 subscriptions) and information on the Denver Center season call (800) 641-1222.