BERMUDIAN Diana Douglas, mother of famous movie star Michael and mother-in-law of Catherine Zeta-Jones, is to grace the local stage as part of the Bermuda Festival next year.

A noted screen and Broadway actress, Ms Douglas will narrate Prokofiev's accompanied by the Russian National Orchestra Wind Quartet on February 11 at the City Hall Theatre. It will mark her second time on the City Hall Theatre stage ? her local dramatic debut came in 1991 in a production of the play. A member of the Bermuda Dill clan, Ms Douglas was born on the island, but said it wasn't familial ties which drew her to the Festival.

"A friend of my husband (former US Treasury official Donald A. Webster), Mary Ann Allin, who is connected with the orchestra, asked me to do a narration for a performance they were having in San Francisco," she explained. "I couldn't do that because I was busy but she asked again when the Bermuda Festival came up and I agreed."

The piece was one she was quite familiar with, Ms Douglas said.

"I have heard it quite a few times and used to read it to my own children (Michael and Joel)," she explained. "I'm hoping my three-and-a-half-year-old grandson, Dylan, will watch."

The concert became a true family experience when she persuaded great-nephew Sean Dill, a New York-based actor, to provide narration for ? a more recent version of ? the night following her performance.

As described in this year's Festival programme: "For the child in all of us and for children in particular, the RNO Wind Quartet will be delivering a first-night programme featuring the well-told tale of , but with a contemporary twist.

"Initially, we will be drawn into the magic of Prokofiev's musical rendition of the tale, which has been transcribed for woodwind by the ensemble's resident composer, Andrey Rubtsov. With narration by Diana Douglas, this first half of the evening's performance is bound to delight, setting the scene for Part Two of the programme.

"puts a contemporary spin on the classic story of a boy and a wolf. Emphasising sensitivity to the environment and the need for balance between man and nature, it is a modern tale that converts the image of the wolf from fearsome creature to one that represents the imperative to cherish and protect natural resources. The environmental message is conveyed in an engaging way that educates young and old audiences alike."

Both concerts will feature a blend of disciplines ? local dancers will perform a short work choreographed for the occasion by Conchita Ming.

The event is a real coup for the Festival, according to chairman Geoffrey Moore: "It is with great pride that the Bermuda Festival introduces the Russian National Orchestra Wind Quintet to Bermuda audiences.

"Known for its unique artistic vision and musical innovation, the RNO Wind Quintet has been touring with the orchestra in the eastern United States, under the auspices of the Russian Arts Foundation. Happily for us, the Quintet has been able to wing across to Bermuda to present two evenings of pure enchantment for all ages."

q Tickets for either performance are $40 adults; $20 students and are available through December 13 and between January 5 and February 28 at the Bermuda Festival Box office, next to the Ferry Terminal in Hamilton from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Tickets are also available on the Festival web site, at www.bermudafestival.com, and via telephone ? between January 5 and February 28 ? on 296-5774.