Can the testimony of a ghost convict a murderer? Inspired by a true courtroom drama of jealousy, murder and a mother's quest for justice, Jan Buttram's new play Zona, The Ghost of Greenbrier will begin previews Friday, March 10th (8pm) and officially open on Sunday, March 19th (3pm) at the Hudson Guild Theatre (441 West 26th Street). Under the direction of James F. Wolk, the production features choreography by Deborah Roshe, musical direction by Phillip Cunningham and is presented by the Abingdon Theatre Company.

Based on actual events and told with traditional song and dance of Appalachia, Zona, The Ghost of Greenbrier is a true story set in 1896. Zona Heaster Shue, a newly married young woman, dies under mysterious circumstances. As her husband publicly grieves for her, Zona's mother claims she has been visited by her daughter's ghost, who has appeared several times to say she was murdered by her husband.

The cast includes Kate Bushmann, Gina Daniels, Elizabeth Dean, Michael Deep, Carole Monferdini, Matt Shea, Ed Steele, David Van Pelt and Christopher Wolk. Set designs by Elizabeth Chaney, costume designs by Pamela Scofield and lighting designs by David Castaneda.

Zona, The Ghost of Greenbrier will play the following schedule between March 10th and April 16th: Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 pm, Saturday matinee at 2 pm and Sunday matinee at 3 pm with special performances on April 4th and 11th at 8 pm and April 16th at 1 pm. Tickets range from $15 to $30. Call SmartTix at 212-532-8887 or log on to the SmartTix website at www.smarttix.com.

Tidbits:

• Chicago out Las Vegas way shutters tonight after playing the Vegas strip for a year. The musical was ground breaking in that it proved that Broadway style musicals, with an intermission, could sell to the tourist and local population. Since its opening Notre Dame de Paris and Blue Man Group have both found homes in casino showrooms. And next year Jerry Herman's new musical Miss Spectacular will open at the Mirage.

• Seth Rudetsky's Chatterbox at Don't Tell Mama's is becoming a favorite with crowds on Thurdays at 6 PM. Seth chats with different Broadway swells each week. This week he'll be chatting with Andrea McArdle. Admission is only $10.00 (plus a 2 drink minimum). Proceeds go to BC/EFA. Call 212-757-0788 for reservations.

• Michael John Lachiusa's new Broadway musical The Wild Party begins previews March 10th at the Virginia Theatre. Meanwhile, at City Center the other The Wild Party with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa, plays its Off Broadway run. Should the latter transfer to Broadway both would be Tony eligible, and wouldn't that be wonderfully confusing fun?

• Box Office opens tomorrow for Elaine May's new comedy, Taller Than a Dwarf at the Longacre Theatre on West 48th. Matthew Broderick and Parker Posey star. Performances begin March 24th. Or head up to Boston and catch it at the Wilbur Theatre from March 7th thru 19th. On the Web tix are available at Tele-Charge.

• Box office is also open for A Moon for the Misbegotten which will star the incredibly talented Cherry Jones. Walter Kerr Theatre. Performances begin March 7th. I'd get my tickets now! Tele-Charge 212-239-6200.

• Contact is back! It re-opens at the Beaumont Theatre at Lincoln Center this Thursday. Again, it's Tele-Charge for tickets for this HOT show.

• If you're surfing the Web on Sunday evenings at 9 (EST) and you have Real Audio on your computer, tune into WBAI (www.wbaifree.org), and you'll be able to listen to David Kenney's radio show Everything Old is New Again. He plays a mixture of old standards, some cabaret and Broadway material and usually has an industry related guest interview. Fun show, tune in!

• Editors at About.com and Netscape.com are recommending theatre fans to head over to Talkin' Broadway. Thanks guys and dolls!