People in Oregon who need "People" will get lucky at The Musical Theatre Company's production of Funny Girl in Portland, where the Jule Styne-Bob Merrill musical opens Oct. 2 after previews.

The 1998-99 season opener, the 1964 fictionalized musical biography of vaudeville star Fanny Brice continues through Oct. 25 at the Eastside Performance Center, 531 SE 14th St. Off Stark, in Portland. Susannah Mars will sing "People," the Barbra Streisand smash hit, as Brice.

The score also includes "Don't Rain On My Parade" and "I'm the Greatest Star."

Also in the non-Equity cast are Kevin Connell as Nick, Wendy Westerwelle as Mrs. Brice, Dale Johannes as Eddie Ryan and Les Sarnoff as Ziegfeld. Greg Tamblyn directs, Joe Bennett choreographs and Richard Bower is musical director. Designers are Carey Wong (sets), Drew Flint (lights), Sandra Kaufman (costumes).

Tickets are $15-$26. Call (503) 224-5411 for information. *

Also on the season:
She Loves Me Nov. 20-Dec. 13
Cabaret Feb. 19-Mar. 14, 1999
My Fair Lady Apr. 23-May 16, 1999

-- By Kenneth Jones