Happy Days" star Marion Ross opens her run as (a non-singing) Aida March 30 in the Old Globe Theatre production of Joe DiPietro's Over the River and Through the Woods. Performances began March 25 for a run through April 30 on the Globe's mainstage.

Ross is best known as Cunningham matron, Marion, on "Happy Days," with TV roles on "Brooklyn Bridge," "The Love Boat" and "The Drew Carey Show" following. While her last Globe appearance was in 1984's Catsplay, Ross' West Coast theatre credits include The Glass Menagerie, Long Day's Journey Into Night, Summer and Smoke and Twelfth Night. She appeared on Broadway in Arsenic and Old Lace.

Craig Noel, executive director at the Globe, marks his 65th year in southern California theatre by directing the comedy. He and Ross last worked together in 1973. Both attended San Diego State University and have gone on to illustrious careers in theatre.

Joining Ross’ Aida in the cast are Christine Brown (Caitlin O'Hare), Laura James (Emma), Paul Michael (Frank), Matthew Troncone (Nick) and Sam Vlahos (Nunzio).

Still running Off Broadway, Over the River and Through the Woods puts Italian-American Nick back in the hands of his grandparents, who, as much as they love him and want the best for him, drive him crazy with their efforts to get him what they think he wants. DiPietro wrote the book and lyrics to I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change and the play The Kiss At City Hall. He is currently at work on rewriting the book to the Gershwin classic, Oh, Kay!, as well as an Elvis Presley based revue. Designing River are Kent Dorsey (sets and lighting), Christine Dougherty (costumes) and Jeff Ladman (sound). Joel Rosen and D. Adams are the stage managers.

The Old Globe Theatre is located in Balboa Park. For tickets and information, call (619) 239-2255. The Old Globe is on the web at http://www.oldglobe.org.

-- By Christine Ehren
and Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent