'Gilligan's Island,' the musical, opens

FLAT ROCK,N.C. — FLAT ROCK, N.C. -- Last year, the national limelight shone on Flat Rock Playhouse when it launched Burt Reynolds' one-man show. This year, the media is focusing on the official North Carolina state theater for an even more famous visitor.

"Gilligan's Island: The Musical" had its world premiere last night in this tiny tourist haven in the North Carolina mountains.

That's right, rerun fans, the 1960s sitcom is being turned into a musical this summer. From Flat Rock, the show will tour and eventually may go on to Broadway. Gilligan, the Skipper, too. The millionaire, and his wife. A movie star. The professor and Mary Ann.

The musical is the brainchild of Sherwood Schwartz, who created the original "Gilligan's Island." And he wrote the Gilligan theme song, which will be included.

"It may be the first time in music theater history that an audience will sing the opening song along with the performers," Mr. Schwartz said.