Time is running out to sign up for this month's glittering direct-from-Broadway night of music and song from the world's top musicals.

Tickets for Bermuda's Two Island Productions' extravaganza at Hamilton's City Hall are selling fast.

And Iva Peele of Two Island Productions -- named after the islands of Bermuda and Manhattan -- said: "The tickets have been on sale since the end of July.

"Sales have gone really well -- there are still some left, but people shouldn't hang around.'' The show, combining the best of Bermudian talent with the cream of the Broadway stage, is an encore performance of last year's Broadway in Bermuda -- a massive hit.

But Ms Peele promised Broadway in Bermuda II was set to improve on the original.

She said: "It's a bigger cast with more Bermudians and, of course, different music.

"But it's the same format, which was a huge hit last year. If anything, this year's going to be even better.'' The musical range on show ranges from the classic smoothness of George Gershwin to the thumping rock of The Who's rock opera Tommy, taking in the smash hits Sunset Boulevard, Les Miserables and Falsettos.

And confident organisers have added two extra performances to the two put on in October last year after disappointed theatre-goers were turned away.

US stars signed up for the shows include Stephen Bogardus, nominated for a Tony award for his performance in Love! Valour! and Compassion!, a role he later brought to the silver screen. He has also appeared in Grapes of Wrath, Falsettos and West Side Story.

Carolee Carmello appeared in Falsettos and City of Angels, while Michael James Leslie was featured in the Broadway revival of the 70s cult classic Hair and The Wiz, based on the legendary movie of the Wizard of Oz.

And Bermuda's home-grown talent includes Beth Dunnington, Beverly Crick, Carol Birch, Deletta Gillespie, Dareen Herbert, LeYoni Junos and Paul Matthews.

Behind the scenes, making sure the four shows go with a swing, will be director Sheryl Kaller and executive director Ms Peele.

Rusty Magee is musical director, backed by James Burn, while Steve Dunnington will provide lighting and sound design.

Two Islands Productions was founded by Iva Peele, Sheryl Kaller and Beth Dunnington, who have strong theatrical and New York connections.

They wanted to to foster links between Bermuda's own talent and New York professionals -- and boost the opportunities for professional actors on the Island.

The company has achieved registered charity status -- and the shows will act as fundraisers for children's workshops and scholarships for young Bermudians who want to pursue a career in the performing acts -- guaranteeing a fresh reservoir of talent in future generations.

And it is hoped eventually to commission a new play addressing a social issue affecting Bermuda -- with the chance of a Broadway performance following its Bermuda debut.

Tickets for the show, which runs from September 11-14, are available Opus, Reid Street, Hamilton. All performances start at 8 p.m., except for the Friday, September 13 show, a gala black tie fund-raiser starting at 7.30 p.m.

Tickets for the Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday shows are $40 with tickets for the Friday performance costing $100.

Anyone looking for further information or who wants to make phone reservations should call Iva Peele on 236-3228.

CAROLEE CARMELLO -- Has appeared in Falsettos and City of Angels.