September 17-20.

Riding the crest of a musical wave that shook Bermuda (in the nicest possible way) to its theatrical foundations two years ago, the third `Broadway in Bermuda' revue has once again achieved the seemingly impossible -- it does get better and better. There is also the marvellous notion that this particular love affair between two islands is, in the words of the song, here to stay.

In its glittering salute to the old and the new, Two Island Productions has attracted some of the best talent to be found on the most famous theatre strip in the world.

What is perhaps more amazing is its success in assembling a complementary Bermuda cast which has narrowed, in spectacular fashion, the inevitable divide between the island of Manhattan and the erstwhile isolated isles of Bermuda.

A brilliantly devised programme that seemingly never pauses for breath, it alternates between set-piece hit numbers, lyrical chansons, sophisticated wit, and tender love songs, is unfailingly delivered with the passion and panache that typifies the intangible magic of Broadway.

Space dictates that out of this cornucopia of theatrical riches, numbering 30 in all, it is not possible to mention all of them.

Every cast member, however, contributes to this triumph which certainly bears comparison with anything similar to be seen in New York or London.

Indicative of the well-founded faith in the local contingent, Wayne Holt was chosen to open the proceedings, backed by the entire cast in the witty Invocation and Instructions to the Audience from `The Frogs'.

In sparkling succession and, following the simple but effective format set out two years ago, the audience is transported from the streets of `Chicago' to the star presence (and voice to match) of Sal Viviano reflecting on `Sunset Boulevard' and thence to the witty portrayal by the amazing Willy Falk and Nikki Rene in their squalid `Little Shop of Horrors'.

Sheryl Kaller, the New York director and a co-founder of Two Island Productions, is surely destined for great things. She has an uncommon eye for talent and confident enough to nurture and back it to the hilt: hence, there is the frankly astonishing spectacle of Englishman Paul Matthews, more than holding his own as, backed by the whole cast, he triumphs in the slick, all-American diction of the notoriously difficult `Ya Got Trouble' from `The Music Man'.

She has steadfastly championed, too, the gifted Beverley Crick, recognising her comedic abilities in Cole Porter's `Friendship' and the dizzying speed of `Carousel' from `Jacques Brel'.

Bermuda's LeYoni Junos, teamed with James Stovall, bring the house down with a lyrical rendition of `When I First Saw You' from `Dreamgirls', and the great Beth Dunnington's duet with Wayne Holt in `Happiness' from Sondheim's `Passion' is imbued with a tenderness that belies its considerable technical challenges.

Similarly, Tony nominee Daniel Jenkins happily joins forces with Bermuda's Daren Herbert, Wayne Holt and Steve Parkinson in the hilarious title number from `Guys and Dolls'.

After the interval, Two Island Productions (formed in 1995 by executive producer Iva Peele, Sheryl Kaller and Beth Dunnington) reminded the audience of its parallel aim -- to promote the artistic development of Bermuda's youth -- with the showing of a short video showcasing its childrens' workshops, and the announcement of its annual scholarship award to drama student Daniel Frith.

Far from breaking the extraordinary momentum established in the first half, the appearance of 12-year old Rebecca Faulkenberry, in a stunningly assured solo delivery of `Broadway Baby' from Sondheim's `Follies', serves only to validate their goals.

A new, and welcome element in this year's show was the decision to include dance in the delectable shape of Bob Fosse-Twyla Tharp dancer Dana Moore.

Donning top hat and twirling the ubiquitous cane, she transports us to the very heart of Broadway, with the heart-stopping perfection of `If My Friends Could See Me Now' from `Sweet Charity'.

And the ultimate, show-stopping moments? This is an unusually hard call, but must include the `Evita' medley, in which husband and wife team Liz Larsen (resplendent in shimmering cream satin) and Sal Viviano encapsulate the brooding poignancy of this work.

Larsen, a dramatic soprano of enormous range and strength, and making her first Bermuda appearance, is superbly matched with the rich and effortlessly powerful tenor voice of Viviano (singing Che): That winning combination landed them the lead roles in the US national touring production of Lloyd Webber's smash hit.

Other unforgettable moments include the equally famous `Tonight Quintet' from Bernstein's `West Side Story', exquisitely sung by New Yorkers Daniel Jenkins, James Stovall, Nikki Rene, Sal Viviano and Beth Dunnington; the burnished beauty of James Stovall's baritone in a solo from `Ragtime'; the virtuoso rendition of Tony nominee Daniel Jenkins in `Buddy's Blues' from `Follies' (to say nothing of his comedic talents as revealed in `Gee, Officer Krupke!' from `West Side Stroy'); the spine-shivering purity and range of soprano Beth Dunnington when she sings `Love Me For What I Am'; the haunting poignancy of Willy Falk and Sal Viviano in `Falsettos'; and, of course, the `Why God Why?', sung with the near-operatic intensity that made Willy Falk a Tony nominee for that his role in `Miss Saigon'.

Fred Lassen, making his Two Island debut, brings a wealth of experience from working on some of Broadway's top shows (including `Cats') and is more than adequately supported by his associate, James Burn, composer of `Joan of Arc' for Warren Cabral's BMDS production. As always, lighting and sound designer Steve Dunnington, whose work has been seen around the world, including last year's Atlanta Olympics, sustains the `great white way' illusion.

Anyone without tickets should try and snap up the remaining few -- or miss out on the very best that Bermuda -- and Broadway -- has to offer.

PATRICIA CALNAN TRIO DE FORCE -- Two Island Productions co-founders (from left): Iva Peele, Beth Dunnington, and director Sheryl Kaller have triumphed with their third season production of Broadway in Bermuda.

THEATRE THR