Temple Theatre presents "Dames At Sea," opening May 28, and continuing through June 14.

"Dames At Sea," which opened off-Broadway in 1968 and starred a young Bernadette Peters, was described by one New York Times reviewer as "a real winner, a little gem of a musical." The show, which was immediately popular with audience members of all ages, went on to win three Drama Desk Awards (for best direction, outstanding lead performance, and best lyrics), and an Outer Critics Circle Award for best off-Broadway musical.

In 1971, the show was adapted for television, and it aired on NBC, starring Ann-Margret as Ruby and Ann Miller as Mona. Most recently, in 2004, "Dames At Sea" returned to one of its original New York homes, The Bouwerie Lane Theatre, and delighted a new generation of audience members.

"Dames At Sea," which is part parody of flashy 1930s Busby Berkeley movie musicals and part genuine, touching love story, tells the tale of Ruby, a nave girl from Utah who travels to New York with big dreams. Upon arriving in the city, Ruby is cast in the chorus of a Broadway musical that stars Mona Kent, a renowned diva. Through a series of lucky twists of fate, Ruby, Mona, and a third actress, Joan, all meet their true loves among the show's male cast of sailors and songwriters, and Ruby steps out from the chorus to become a Broadway star.

"Dames At Sea" is full of musical and dance numbers such as "Choo-Choo Honeymoon," "That Mister Man Of Mine," "The Sailor of My Dreams," and "Broadway Baby."

Temple Theatre's Producing Artistic Director and Broadway veteran, Peggy Taphorn, will play Mona Kent; New York-based Drew Stark, who just finished the national tour of "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," takes on the role of Dick.

The talented husband-wife team of Chris Wright and Katie Deal portray Lucky and Joan. Deal was recently seen in Temple Theatre's Christmas show, "Winter Wonderettes."

Fayetteville's Ken Griggs takes the part of Captain Hennesey. Briggs, a lieutenant colonel at Ft. Bragg, who is head of Diagnositic Radiology, portrayed Professor Bhaer in Temple Theatre's April production of "Little Women: The Musical."

Ruby will be played by Margaret Ellen Jeffries, a graduate of N.C. State, who earned a master's degree in fine arts from Central Florida and played "Cindy Lou" in Temple Theatre's "Winter Wonderettes."

The sponsors of "Dames At Sea" are Carolina Trace, First Bank, and Lead and Performance Strategies.

The theater is located at Temple Theatre, 120 Carthage Street, downtown Sanford.

For show details and ticket prices call (919) 774-4155 or visit www.templeshows.com.