Bill Cosby to return to Genesee Theatre

WAUKEGAN -- Bill Cosby is scheduled to return to the Genesee Theatre at some point before 2008 is out, some four years after he christened the building following its $25 million renovation.

Genesee officials announced Monday that Cosby will return "at a date to be announced," though www.geneseetheatre.com lists a tentative date of July 19, with tickets going for $28 through $53.

But theater spokeswoman Karen Gardner said it's also possible the date will be sometime in December, depending on the venerable star's touring schedule.

Already slated for the Genesee in December is "Idols in Concert for the Holidays" on Dec. 21, though it also has some details to be announced -- it reportedly will feature "a combination of four of the top ten 'American Idol' finalists from seasons one through six."

The forecasts on Cosby and "Idol" came as the Genesee unveiled the 2008-09 lineup for its "Broadway and More!" series. Subscription packages were set to go on sale Tuesday, with a minimum of four shows required per package.

Other shows and dates in the series are "Oliver!" (Jan. 14); the Broadway musical version of the 1988 film "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (Feb. 7); pianist Jim Brickman (Feb. 21); "Hairspray" (March 19); the Queen tribute "One Night of Queen" (March 27); the stage version of the 1984 film "Footloose"; and a return engagement for the one-man show "Defending the Caveman" (May 16).

Other recent additions to the Genesee schedule include comedian Lisa Lampanelli on June 28 (tickets go on sale Friday); Ted Nugent on Aug. 12 (with tickets on sale starting last weekend); and 2007 "America's Got Talent" winner Terry Fator on Nov. 15 (tickets on sale June 27).

For more information, call (847) 263-6300 or visit www.geneseetheatre.com .