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It looks like it is finally going to happen. The Fox Theatre, now being called the Fox Performing Arts Center, is finally going to open.

The debut date is being set for January with a still to be determined presentation and it will be followed on Feb. 2 with the Nederlander Organization production of "Annie."

Scheduled for later in the year are "Jesus Christ Superstar," starring Ted Neely, and the musical "Hairspray."

Arts and Entertainment Editor Bob Sokolsky notes that all three shows "have quite a bit of mileage attached to them" but adds that "they can be fun to watch when done properly and bring the potential to draw audiences."

However, he adds, there are still a number of questions attached to the Fox involving other productions, potential parking problems and relations with Inland area arts groups. On the other hand, he says, it is good to see something finally happening with the venerable Riverside theater.