BRATTLEBORO- The New England Youth Theatre has announced the lineup for its fall 2008 season, with offerings for every age and interest. Plays classic and contemporary, including the premiere of a spunky new musical, are all part of the fall surprises at NEYT.

October 2 through 5 features “The Belle of Amherst,” by William Luce and directed by Peter Gould. This one-woman play about Emily Dickinson, built from the poet’s own letters, diaries, and poems, has been in constant repertory around the country since its debut on Broadway in 1976.

NEYT veteran actress Shannon Ward, undertaking this challenge as a senior thesis project, will perform the role that gained Julie Harris a Tony award. Exploring the remarkable woman behind the unforgettable words she penned, “The Belle of Amherst” is a perfect companion to the Brattleboro Literary Festival, being presented on the same weekend.

October 16 through 19 and 23 through 26 features “The Glass Menagerie,” by Tennessee Williams and directed by Rebecca Waxman. Williams’ production comes to the NEYT stage featuring both teenage and adult actors. With only four roles and an avalanche of pathos and intensity, “Menagerie” stands out as William’s first big success and his most overtly autobiographical play.

November 7 through 9 features a new musical called “All About Alice,” written and directed by Jonathan Mirin. The show is inspired by “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and other remarkable influences such as the 1950s film “All About Eve” and reality television. Alice and her family live on the “Cloudy Side” of Dupaper, the most boring town in America, where 36% of the population has “the cough” - including her brother. But Wonderwood is searching for its next Queen of Hearts. Will Alice become another Wonderwood wannabe, or will she return and help Dupaper become a better place?

December 5 through 7, 12 through 14, and 19 through 21 features “It’s A Wonderful Life,” adapted and directed by Stephen Stearns. Unlike the original motion picture town of Bedford Falls, the NEYT version will take place in a Vermont town - Brattleboro, in fact. “It’s A Wonderful Life,” filled with memorable characters and a stunning Dickensian plot, is suitable for folks of all ages, even the very young. NEYT’s holiday gift to the whole community is sure to bring peace, hope and joy to even the most hard-hearted cynic.

Tickets for all these shows are available now by visiting www.neyt.org, calling (802) 246-6398 or visiting the NEYT box office Wednesdays from 12 to 5 pm.