By Jackie Demaline
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Footlights is back for 2004. The Cincinnati Enquirer's one-of-a-kind series that invites you behind-the-scenes to meet local theaters and theater artists at downtown restaurants returns Feb. 15 with a can't-miss event.

In honor of their upcoming production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, CCM musical theater students promise a very special event to benefit the League of Cincinnati Theatres in the courtyard at Arnold's Bar & Grill.

For Footlights, they'll offer songs from the upcoming The Mystery of Edwin Drood, offer a sneak peek at the Senior Showcase they'll take to New York in April and lead us in a sing-along that will include, in the spirit of Drood, some songs reminiscent of the Victorian (and occasionally naughty) Music Hall-style. (Drood plays Feb. 26-March 7 at CCM.)

They'll also take to the microphones for a Q&A with the audience, answering everything you've ever wanted to know about life on a Broadway track.

Mark 4:30 p.m. Feb. 15 on your calendar, CCM Music Hall at Arnold's Bar & Grill (210 E. Eighth St.). Tickets: $30 (show only) and tax-deductible. Doors open at 4 p.m. Cash bar.

Call Arnold's at 421-6234 for reservations. You will be asked to hold your reservation with a credit card. To pay by check or for general questions call Jackie Demaline at 768-8530.