The story of passionate musical theatre writer Ed Kleban, who penned lyrics for A Chorus Line, gets told in a form he knew all too well -- the musical -- in A Class Act, a new work that will open the Stage II season of Manhattan Theatre Club.

Taking existing music and lyrics by Kleban, writers Linda Kline and Lonny Price developed a piece that tells "the story of a man who discovers that fulfillment isn't measured by success; it's defined by what you do for love," according the MTC announcement. Performances begin Oct. 3. Official opening is Oct. 31.

Carolee Carmello (Parade), Jonathan Freeman (How to Succeed...), Randy Graff (City of Angels) and Julia Murney (MTC's The Wild Party) head the cast.

Price directs the show, which is presented in association with Musical Theatre Works, which Price heads. Scott Wise (Fosse, State Fair) choreographs. "Additional material" is by David Wolf.

Kleban died before he matched the success he had contributing to A Chorus Line. A prominent fund in his name doles out cash prizes to up-and coming lyricists and book writers. As previously reported by Playbill On-Line, the romantic science-fiction musical, Time and Again, with a score by Walter Edgar Kennon, will also play MTC's Stage II, beginning Jan. 9, 2001, the theatre announced. Laura Benanti (Swing!) will star with Julia Murney.

Official opening for Time and Again is Jan. 30, 2001. There is hope the show will have a future commercial life on Broadway.

For MTC subscription information, call (213) 399-3030.