The Carnegie schedules its first theater season, with some very smart collaborations.

Holiday show “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be in partnership with The Commonwealth Theatre (that translates as Northern Kentucky University) with terrific Ken Jones directing. Jones did a smash hit version at NKU a few years back and we hear Jones would love a reprise in the role of Judas, if now NYC-based grad Roderick Justice is available. (“JC Superstar” was the first time I asked – “who is that kid?!”) (Don’t know what to hope for more – a big job for Justice, or a return to a great performance here.)

New Edgecliff returns for another concert production, this year “The Secret Garden” directed by NET artistic director Greg Procaccino, but first Proc opens the Carnegie season in August with a NET co-production of Agatha Christie classic “The Mousetrap.”

If you love New Stage Collective’s musicals, artistic director Alan Patrick Kenny swings across the river for a great big classic – Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Carousel.” He timed his own season, being announced Thursday, to accommodate the directing gig and APK is psyched.

Actor auditions for the 2008-09 theatre season will take place on Sunday, May 18 at The Carnegie in Covington. Auditions for The Mousetrap, The Secret Garden In Concert, and Carousel will take place in group slots between 1:00pm and 5:00pm; auditions for Jesus Christ Superstar will take place  in group slots from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Invited callbacks and dance call will take place on the evening of Wednesday, May 21. Subsequent auditions may be held later in the season. All adult roles are compensated. For more information and to register for auditions, please contact Josh Steele at 859.957.1933.