Thirty-five years is a heck of a long time, but that's how long ago Good Company Players first graced Fresno with its presence. The first show was "A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum" staged at the old Hilton Hotel. Last Saturday, cast members from that first show got together for a 35th reunion at Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater. Pictured from left: Fred Bologna, Dan Pessano, Karan Johnson (box office), Jan Pessano, Peggy Ailanjian, JoAnn Allen, Melinda Keller, Roger Keller, Ann T. Sullivan, Robert Nielsen, Ed Burke, Dennis Frost. At rear are Roger Christiansen (box office) and Steve Allen (JoAnn's son, who was born during the run of "Forum").

On the jump: "[title of show]" on Broadway, patriotic Shakespeare and more.

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HEIDI'S BIG OPENING: Hard to believe, but it's very nearly July 5, which means one thing: the first preview for "[title of show]" on Broadway. GCP veteran and Fresno daughter Heidi Blickenstaff is probably working her behind off these days as the show gets ready to go up. Can't wait to hear how it goes!

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STEP UP TO STEPPENWOLF: If you're a fan of the theater, it's impossible not to have heard of Chicago's Steppenwolf Theatre Company. (The company just won the Tony award for best play for "August: Osage County" on Broadway.) It's one of the great coups of the California State University Summer Arts program, now in its 10th year at Fresno State, to be able to bring notable names from Steppenwolf to teach. Your chance to see a public performance comes this Saturday (7 p.m., John Wright Theatre), when members of the company will present readings from the short stories and plays of William Saroyan.

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SHAKESPEARE FANS: Yes, you read that July 4 performance date correctly: Woodward Shakespeare Festival will be there Friday for "Twelfth Night." The show continues 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays through July 26 at the Theater at the Glen in Woodward Park. A preshow starts at 7:15 p.m., and food and beverages from Bentley's market are available.

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SAN FRANCISCO BEST OF BROADWAY SERIES: The 2008-09 season kicks off with the return of "Wicked," the national tour launch of "August: Osage County," the world premiere of the new musical "Ever After," the Tony Award-nominated Broadway revival of "Grease" and a fifth show to be announced later this month. There's also a special holiday engagement of "The Phantom of the Opera" planned Nov. 26-Jan. 4. (The last show of the current season, "The Drowsy Chaperone," opens July 22.) For details, check out SHN's Web site.