When it comes time to decide what to put on the stages at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Producing Artistic Director Ed Stern says he doesn't pick plays, he designs seasons.

"I could just pick 10 plays that I'd be really excited about, but it would be a terrible season," he said. "When we put together a season, we want to celebrate the breadth and range of theater.

The Playhouse's 2008-09 lineup includes one world premiere and six regional premieres.

At the Marx Theatre:

- A new musical version of Jane Austen's "Emma," with music, lyrics and book by Paul Gordon, who scored a Tony nomination for the lyrics to "Jane Eyre" in 2000. Opening night: Sept. 4.

- John Kolvenbach's "Love Song," a quirky comedy about a man in a self-imposed exile. Opening night: Oct. 23.

- Cincinnati playwright Joseph McDonough scores his second New American Play Prize for "The Travels of Angelica," the story of a writer on the run in Colonial America. Opening night: Jan. 22.

- Larry Shue's classic comedy, "The Foreigner," the story of a shy man who pretends to be from another country. Opening night: March 12.

- A new adaptation of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Jeffrey Hatcher. Opening night: April 23.

The Thompson Shelterhouse season:

- Julia Cho's "Durango," the story of a road trip made by a Korean immigrant and his two teenage sons. Opening night: Sept. 25.

- A revival of "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change," the love-happy musical revue. Opening night: Nov. 6.

- "Blackbird," by Scottish playwright David Harrower, billed as "a cat-and-mouse tale of volatile emotion and sexual intrigue." Opening night: Feb. 12.

- Arlene Hutton's "Last Train to Nibroc," a World War II-era love story. Opening night: April 2.

- "Marry Me A Little," a new story that recycles songs edited out of popular Stephen Sondheim musicals. Opening night: May 14.

Ticket packages:

Subscriptions to the 2008-09 Playhouse season are available now in a variety of packages. Prices range from $111.50 to $304.

• Discounts available for senior citizens, young professionals and full-time educators.

• The Baby Sitter Rebate Series: Receive $100 at the end of the season to help cover the cost of baby sitters.

INFO: (513) 421-3888; www.cincyplay.com