Deep Dish Theater Company announces the lineup for its 2008-2009 season, marking the theater's eighth year at the company's home in Chapel Hill's University Mall.

"This season will feature work from four of the theater's most acclaimed and influential playwrights," notes Deep Dish Artistic Director Paul Frellick. "From the revolutionary plays of Italy's Carlo Goldoni and Russia's Anton Chekhov to the contemporary work of the Pulitzer Prize-winners Wendy Wasserstein and August Wilson, our audience will have the chance to encounter four of the most distinctive and resonant voices ever heard on stage. Of course, when you start with such rich texts, the stakes are raised considerably, and we're excited by the challenges this season will provide our company."

The season begins with the Aug. 21 opening of the classic farce, "The Servant of Two Masters," by Carlo Goldoni, directed by Deep Dish veteran Derrick Ivey. It will be followed in October by Wendy Wasserstein's final play, "Third," a wry, quick-witted and timely piece set on a university campus, directed by Hope Hynes Love.

In the spring, Deep Dish Artistic Director Paul Frellick will direct Anton Chekhov's tragi-comedy, "Uncle Vanya," and the season will conclude with August Wilson's "Jitney," the 1970s chapter of Wilson's 10-play cycle of African-American experience in the 20th century, directed by Kathy Hunter-Williams.

Season tickets are available now at a reduced price compared to single tickets: $64 adults, $56 seniors, $48 students. With performances often selling out, early ticket purchases will help patrons ensure they don't miss a show.

Deep Dish is located in Chapel Hill's University Mall, on Estes Drive and U.S. 15-501. Ticket prices and showtimes are: Wednesday and Thursday (7:30 p.m. curtain) $16 adults, $14 seniors, $12 students; and Friday-Sunday (8 p.m. curtain on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday matinee) $18 adults, $16 seniors, $14 students. The Deep Dish box office in University Mall is open Wednesday through Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets can also be ordered by visiting www.deepdishtheater.org or by calling (919) 968-1515.

For more information, call (919) 968-1515 or visit the Deep Dish Web site at www.deepdishtheater.org.