Three rarely seen musicals -- "DuBarry Was a Lady," "One Touch of Venus" and "Chicago" -- have been set for early 1996 revival as the third annual season of "Encores! Great American Musicals in Concert" series at New York's City Center Theatre.

No cast or directors have been set for the shows, all of which featured major stars in their original productions.

Cole Porter's 1939 "DuBarry Was a Lady, which tells the story of a washroom attendant who dreams he's French King Louis XV, was a vehicle for Ethel Merman and comedian Bert Lahr. It will run Feb. 15-17.

Kurt Weill's 1943 "One Touch of Venus" which tells the story of the goddess' return to Earth, featured Mary Martin. Dates are March 28-30.

John Kander and Fred Ebb's 1975 "Chicago" gave Bob Fosse, Chita Rivera and Gwen Verdon a hit -- only to be wiped out in the Tony Awards by "A Chorus Line." The show will be performed May 2-4. Spokesperson Ina Clark said the directors and stars will not be announced until the last minute. Such flexibility, along with the short runs, have enabled Encores! to get "the amazing talnt we've had the last two years." Shows have included Patti LuPone in "Pal Joey" and Tyne Daly in "Call Me Madam."

Subscriptions to all three shows will go on sale in late November. Single tickets will go on sale in late January. For information, or to order tickets after those dates, call (212) 581-1212.