Kicked off in style, with a champagne gala reception on Feb. 1, the group will open the musical Baby at the Saratoga Civic Theatre. Additionally on opening night, patrons are encouraged to bring new baby items such as diapers, bottles and new toys to be donated to Scribbles & Giggles, a pediatric daycare in Saratoga for children with special medical needs.

Baby, which made its Broadway premiere in 1983 features a comedic-musical score by Richard Maltby Jr. and David Shire. Based on the book by Sybille Pearson, Baby follows three couples, in three stages of their lives, all expecting babies. The original Broadway cast of the musical was nominated for seven Tony Awards including best musical and best score.

Characters include two college students, at the beginning of their adult lives; the thirty-somethings, struggling to conceive but determined to keep trying; and the middle aged parents, looking forward to life as empty-nesters when a night of unexpected passion lands them back where they started... preparing for impending parenthood.

Baby is a warm and intimate look at the ways in which lives can be affected by children.

Saratoga Drama Group players Alicia Santana, Karen DeHart, Charlotte Jacobs, Adam Barry, Jay Steele and Steve Carlitz play the lead roles.

The company offers three musicals each year, usually providing a mix of well-known favorites and current, up-to-date shows. This year will see in addition to Baby, No, No, Nanette, in May and The King and I in September.

Relying heavily on ticket sales to fund its operations and pay for show royalties, the nonprofit theatre group also looks for donations, which members are quick to point out can be completely written off at tax time.

Saratoga Drama Group presents Baby at the Saratoga Civic Theatre, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. Feb. 1 through Feb. 22. Tickets are $16—$18. For additional information call the box office at 408.882.5099 or visit www.saratogadramagroup.com.