Area singers, your moment to shine on stage at the Ritz Theatre is just a few short months away.

The Greenville Area Arts Council (GAAC) is mounting a show on March 2-3, 2007, as the organization's major fundraiser for the year in place of their traditional silent auction.

There will be an open audition on Tuesday, September 16, for those wanting to perform in the production.

&#8220Puttin' on the Ritz 2” will feature music from the best of Broadway through the years.

The casting call kicks off at 6:30 p.m. at the Ritz. Charlie Kennedy will serve as musical director and Nancy Idland will direct the show.

&#8220We already have some marvelous people lined up to perform, but we know there is more untapped talent out there.

We want to give them the chance to be a part of all this,” Idland said.

Those planning to audition on Sept. 16 should bring their own accompanist, an accompany CD or provide music for the production's pianist (in the latter case, Idland requests to be contacted in advance, so there is adequate time for the pianist to rehearse the piece).

&#8220Those auditioning simply need to choose a favorite piece to perform. It doesn't have to be a selection we plan to feature in the show,” Idland said.

Many familiar and well-loved show tunes will be used in &#8220Puttin' on the Ritz 2,” the director said.

&#8220These are great songs. People will be humming and singing right along. It's going to a great, no - TWO great nights.”

For those who can't carry a tune, but can thread a needle, their services can also be put to good use in the coming months, Roberta &#8220Bobbie” Gamble, the show's producer/costume designer, said.

&#8220If you can come by my house and just help sew on sequins, that would be wonderful. For those who are real seamstresses, we can use you help in making the costumes,” Gamble said.

The show is casting early so measurements can be taken and costumes sewn to custom-fit those performing the numbers.

&#8220If a person is a size 18, for example, obviously they aren't going to fit a costume sewn on a size 8 dressmaker's dummy. We need the time to get all these costumes completed and fitted properly,” Gamble explained.

For more information about the upcoming auditions, contact Nancy Idland at 382-8729, by e-mail nancyidland@centurytel.net, or visit the Website www.bamamusic.com.

Sewing volunteers should contact Bobbie Gamble at 382-3414.