Bad economy? Bah! The Community Players continue to thrive, entering their 88th, that's right, 88th season with a four-show slate of the familiar, the mysterious, the obscure and a local premiere.

For those unfamiliar with the troupe, they are an above average amateur group with very reasonable ticket prices and comfortable seating at Jenks Auditorium on Division Street (right behind McCoy Stadium) in Pawtucket. They try very hard to put on good shows.

Here is a breakdown of what they will offer in 2008-09:

- The musical "Gypsy," Nov. 7-23. Directed and choreographed by Bill Whitehead Jr. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students (through high school).

- Agatha Christie's classic whodunit "The Mousetrap," Jan. 23-30, Feb. 1, 2009. Directed by Cathy Fox. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students (through high school). - The musical revue "A Grand Night for Singing," featuring the classic music of Rodgers and Hammerstein presented with a twist! March 20-29, April 3-5, 2009. Directed by Andrew G. Bobola. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students (through high school).

- Ron Hutchinson's new comedy "Moonlight and Magnolias," June 12-21, 2009. Directed by Sandy Cerel. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students (through high school).

All shows are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. Reservation line opens four weeks prior to opening: 401-726-6860. For more information, visit www.thecommunityplayers.org.

'Mousetrap' auditions

And if you can't wait until next January to see Community Players' production of "The Mousetrap" - or, better yet, perform in it yourself - Mansfield Music and Arts Society is holding open auditions for the Agatha Christie classic on Monday, Aug. 4 and Wednesday, Aug. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the MMAS Black Box Theater, 30 Crocker St. in Mansfield.

Directed by Ken Butler of Mansfield, the whodunit will be performed at MMAS from Oct. 17 through Nov. 2.

"We're very excited to be bringing such a well-known thriller to MMAS for the Halloween season," said Rachel Parkman, producer. "All roles are open, and there are parts for old and young, men and women. It's a classic, and we're excited to see the talent that comes to participate."

Rehearsals will typically be held on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Character descriptions and audition information is available on the MMAS website, mmas.org.

For further information, contact Parkman at 508-339-2822.