Musical theatre's Susan Egan (Cabaret, Beauty and the Beast) and Jason Graae (Falsettos) star in the Rubicon Theatre Company's readings of Jule Styne-Sammy Cahn's High Button Shoes, playing May 24-June 2. Bonnie Hellman directs the 1947 musical comedy.

Set in 1913, High Button Shoes recreates the staples of early 20th Century American life from college football to the Model T. Small-time conman Harrison Floy (Graae) returns to his home town to fleece the populace who still remember him as the honest boy he once was. When he makes a killing (selling the Longstreet's worthless swamp land), he runs away with the cash to Atlantic City, where he manages to lose it all on a bad bet.

The score includes "Can't You Just See Yourself In Love With Me?," "There's Nothing Like A Model 'T'," "You're My Girl," "Get Away For A Day In The Country, "Papa, Won't You Dance With Me?," "On A Sunday By The Sea," "I Still Get Jealous" and "Nobody Ever Died For Dear Old Rutgers." The original High Button Shoes ran 727 performances after opening with Phil Silvers and Nanette Fabray in the leading roles.

Former Tony nominee Egan is featured as Fran. Also in the cast are Cynthia Ferrer as Mamma, Doug Carfrae (L.A.'s Ragtime) as Papa, Gregg Whitney (Meet Me in St. Louis) as Hubert Ogglethrope and Will Shupe as Mr. Pontdue.

Tickets are $38-$28. For reservations, call (805) 667-2900. Rubicon Theatre Company is on the web at http://www.rubicontheatre.org. — By Christine Ehren