Amanda McBroom, the award-winning composer of "The Rose," will kick off the upcoming season, playing Sept. 27-Oct. 1. Among McBroom's more popular compositions are "Ship in a Bottle," "Dreaming" and "Errol Flynn."

McBroom will be followed by Tony Award winner Betty Buckley, who is currently playing an extended engagement at New York's Cafe Carlyle. Buckley will bring her evening of Smoke to OPAC Nov. 1-5.

Christine Ebersole, currently on Broadway in the star-studded cast of Steel Magnolias, will bring her evening of song to Orange County Dec. 6-10. Cabaretgoers can expect to hear tunes from Ebersole's new recording, "In Your Dreams."

Two-time Tony Award nominee Christine Andreas will open the New Year at Founders Hall, playing Jan. 17-21, 2006. Andreas will salute the leading women of the American musical theatre.

The New Year will also feature performances from "Will & Grace" Emmy winner Megan Mullally (April 18-22). Davis Gaines, a long-time title player in The Phantom of the Opera, will close out the season, playing May 9-13. The Orange County Performing Arts Center is located in Costa Mesa, CA, at 600 Town Center Drive. For tickets, call (714) 556-2787. Visit www.ocpac.org for more information.