Philadelphia's Arden Theatre Company, which received 24 Barrymore nominations last year and won for Best Overall Production of a Play (Midsummer), will begin their 12th anniversary season with the classic Tennessee Williams comedy-drama, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and end with a Sondheim favorite -- with a couple of world premieres thrown in the mix.

Maggie the Cat, Brick and Big Daddy will all tread the boards of ATC's F. Otto Haas Stage when the Williams' classic kicks off the new season, Sept. 16-Oct. 17.

The next slot in the season, taking place at the ATC's Acardia Stage is currently undecided but will most likely be a world premiere, directed by Aaron Postner (Oct. 14 - Nov. 28).

The world premiere of Michael Hollinger's Red Herring graces the Acardia Stage, Jan. 20-March 5, 2000. It's 1952, and detective Frank Keller has three days before leaving for his Havana honeymoon; can he solve a murder mystery before his plane leaves?

Shakespeare's romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing hits the F. Otto Haas in Spring 2000, with a March 2 - April 2, 2000 run. The Arden wraps things up with the Sondheim fave, Into the Woods playing at the Haas May 11-June 12, 2000.

For subscriptions or more information on The Arden Theatre Company's 1999-2000 season, call (215) 922-1122.

-- By Sean McGrath