Such is the premise for the MCC Theatre season opener, Eric Coble's Bright Ideas, which begins Oct. 22 at the East 13th Street Theatre. Tony Award-winning director John Rando (Urinetown) directs the staging set to open Nov. 12 for a run through Dec. 7. Paul Fitzgerald (Debbie Does Dallas, Noises Off), Seana Kofoed (Proof, Night Must Fall) star as the parents of a boy who is next on the waiting list for one of the best pre-schools, Bright Ideas Early Childhood Development Academy.

The dark comedy also features Orlagh Cassidy (Present Laughter, Our Country's Good), Colman Domingo (Henry V) and Linda Marie Larson (Morning's at Seven, Jackie).

The design team for Bright Ideas includes Rob Odorisio (set), Gregory Gale (costume), James Vermeulen (lighting), Darlene Dannenfelser (hair and wig) and Fabian Obispo (sound) — who also provides original music. Fight direction is handled by Rick Sordelet.

The work was workshopped at Ohio's Cleveland Play House, where Coble is a founding member.

Rando garnered his Tony for his work on the Broadway musical Urinetown. The director has also helmed The Dinner Party, A Thousand Clowns, Polish Joke and Dance of the Vampires.

Bright Ideas kicks off a new three-play season for the 17-year-old troupe. Next will be Bryony Lavery's Frozen (starting Feb. 25, 2004) and Neil LaBute's The Distance From Here (April 14, 2004).

Playwright Eric Coble, director John Rando, and the cast, as well as artistic and production staff of Bright Ideas, will join special guests in MCC's Tuesday TalkBack Series where the artists discuss the show, themes and various topics. Audience members will be invited to ask questions at the events which follow the 7 PM performances.

Tickets to Bright Ideas are available by calling (212) 279-4200. For more information on MCC, visit www.mcctheater.com.