Acropolis partial restoration planned

Stage set for Acropolis fix

Greek authorities say they will partially restore the ruined marble theater under the Acropolis, where the works of Euripides and other classical playwrights were first performed about 2,500 years ago.

The Culture Ministry said Wednesday that the $9-million program was set for completion by 2015 and would include extensive modern additions to the surviving marble seats of the Theater of Dionysos.

Built on the southern slopes of the Acropolis Hill, the theater was first used in the late 6th century BC. It hosted the opening performances of tragedies by Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, as well as Aristophanes' comedies.

A small section of the 4th century BC seating -- which could hold up to 15,000 spectators -- survives in place.

-- associated press Osmond dances off with prize

An estimated 19.2 million people watched Donny Osmond win "Dancing With the Stars" -- the smallest audience for the show's finale since the first season.

This was the ninth edition of the contest, one of television's most popular shows. The Nielsen Co. said ratings have been down all season for the show, an indication that viewers weren't as attached to the contestants as they had been in the past.

Osmond said the show has been a highlight in a career of ups and downs. He competed during the show's finale Tuesday against singer Mya and Kelly Osbourne, daughter of rock star Ozzy Osbourne.

-- associated press 'Louis & Keely' songs to live on

People are starting to call it the musical that keeps on giving.

The team behind the popular "Louis & Keely: Live at the Sahara" is mounting a revised version of the stage show at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood. The production, retitled "A Vegas Holiday! Songs From 'Live at the Sahara,' " will run Dec. 19-31.

The El Portal said that the new version will be different from the Taylor Hackford-directed production that recently closed at the Geffen Playhouse in Westwood following an eight-month run. But it will feature the same two lead actors, Jake Broder and Vanessa Claire Smith -- who are currently rewriting the book in preparation for a planned national tour -- as well as the same band members.

Hackford is not participating in the new version of the show.