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The first dates have been set for Riverside's Fox Theatre, now known as the Fox Performing Arts Center, and the Nederlander Organization musicals "Annie," "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Hairspray" will be on the 2010 schedule.

Arts and Entertainment Editor Bob Sokolsky calls them logical selections, noting that all three shows have good track records and the potential to bring in large audiences.

But how many people, he asks, have noticed the resemblance to the Performance Riverside schedule? And, he wonders, are local theater companies going to find themselves competing with Nederlander for audiences and shows?

To date, Sokolsky says, regional companies claim they are not too worried and Inland Theatre League President Mike Charles and Riverside Arts Council director Patrick Brien believe the situation will be more of a challenge than a threat.

The Fox, they say, will only help call attention to all local theater companies and kindle an adventuresome spirit regional arts groups have always possessed.