Two Christmas plays, a Shakespeare comedy, a child’s tale, murder and madness: get your tix now!

Alan Carmichael and Katy Wolfe Zahn at the preview party. Her dress was one her mother wore to a college prom!

I guess the theory is that if one Christmas play is successful, maybe we should have two!

In its recently announced upcoming season, the Clarence Brown Theatre at the University of Tennessee will produce both the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol,” and “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play.” The two Christmas season chestnuts will run concurrently during early December.

And those are just two of eight great plays included in a season that ranges from William Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” to the beloved musical, “The Music Man.”

The season looks terrific. It was touted to supporters this past weekend at a preview party in a historic West Knoxville home on the Tennessee River. One highlight of the party was soprano Katy Wolfe Zahn performing selections from “The Music Man” and selections by a barbershop quartet led by her husband, Glenn Zahn.

Sure to be a memorable occasion is the season opening production of  “Amadeus,” which will be a rare collaboration between the Clarence Brown Theatre and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. Since supporters of both these groups will be vying for seats in the Clarence Brown Theatre, you should probably get your tickets now to avoid limited choices as the season draws closer. This production, directed by Clarence Brown Artistic Director Cal MacLean and conducted by Knoxville Symphony Maestro Lucas Richman, runs Sept. 8 through 19.

This is followed in October by “Woyzeck,” described as “a 19th century satire about murder, madness and social deterioration.” Then things lighten up with “The Story of Opal,” based on the childhood diaries of naturalist Opal Whiteley. It is suitable for young audiences.

Then come the Christmas plays, followed in February by the Shakespeare comedy about feminine wisdom. “Phaedra” by Jean Racine opens at the end of March. Clarence Brown materials describe it as “an ancient tale of a desperate housewife.” Clever.

And the 76 trombones of “The Music Man” will close the season in May.

Since MacLean has arrived on the Knoxville scene, I have loved the theatrical seasons offered by Clarence Brown. Click here to go to the Clarence Brown website where you can learn more and see how to purchase your tickets.

See you opening night!

A barbershop quartet (Keith Wheeler, Glenn Zahn, John Dutton and Nathan Hale - not sure which order!) joined Cal MacLean, right, at the party.

Townes Osborne and Cal MacLean go over their remarks prior to the program at the party. She's chair of the theater's advisory board. He's artistic director.

The Stowers family sponsored the preview party. They are Liz and Wes and their daughter, Rachel, in front.

Lyn and Jeff Johnson. (He's head of the interior design department at McCarty Holsaple McCarty. He's the one who is going to make Moxley Carmichael's new office dazzle!)

Angie Campbell, right, chats with friends Jeannine and Doug McKamey.

CBT advisory board member Bob Parrott and Carol Mayo Jenkins, acclaimed theater and television actress who teaches acting classes at UT.

CBT advisory board member William Hurt, left, and Jed Diamond, head of acting at UT.

Dawn and Richard Ford. Using his stage name, Shafer Morgan, Ford appeard in 2009's production of "A Christmas Carol."

After the party, Alan and I went to Bistro By the Tracks for dinner and we ran into this festive pair!

Mike and Susan Edwards celebrate the arrival of their Bananas Foster!