That memorable line from "Hello, Dolly!" seems appropriate as a loose theme for Music Theatre of Wichita's 23rd season: "It's so nice to have you back where you belong."

Music Theatre's large ensemble more than 250 cast and crew has a number of returning alumni whom producing director Wayne Bryan is especially happy to have back in the MTW fold. Among them are "Gigi" star Darcie Roberts, a local now enjoying Broadway success; director Mark Madama, now in his sixth consecutive season at Music Theatre; actor Jack Ritschel, familiar to local audiences from "Paint Your Wagon" and "42nd Street"; choreographer Linda Goodrich; set designer J. Branson and costume designer Peggy Kellner.

Kellner's return to the costume design department is nothing short of remarkable, said Bryan. A series of severe health problems since last summer cost her part of a leg and a couple of internal organs; she's using a wheelchair and designing only the opulent costumes for "Gigi."

The entire troupe will present five shows over the course of the summer, beginning with "Gigi" June 8-12, followed in short order by "Annie" June 22-26, "Damn Yankees" July 6-10, "West Side Story" July 20-24 and "Hello, Dolly!" Aug. 3-7.

The reunion concept also has a missing-persons list, with actor Richard White right at the top. Close behind is conductor Craig Barna, who's working in New York, scenic designer XuZheng He and actors Linda Michele and Nedra Dixon. And there's a reunion aspect beyond returning MTW alumni. Certain performers who met years ago in college or elsewhere are finding themselves working together this season in Wichita. Kathleen Huber, whom Bryan acted and directed with in college but had not seen since, has joined the acting troupe as Aunt Alicia in "Gigi." George Mitchell, whom Bryan met while stationed in the Philippines in the late 1960s, is now a fashion and costume designer in Los Angeles and will design the 1950s costumes for "Damn Yankees." Actor Debra Marie Walton, who'll perform in "West Side Story" and "Hello, Dolly!" went to college with MTW alum Michael Gruber, who'll play Riff in "West Side Story."

Bryan happily oversees the combined boot camp-summer camp atmosphere. Already working at warp speed, Bryan pulls a huge folder of resumes and photographs of the company off his cluttered desk and starts flipping black- and-white glossies of actors and dancers, choreographers and directors onto a table.

Bryan said the company is more diverse than in past years, in part because of the casting requirements for "West Side Story" and "Hello, Dolly!" both of which need people of color.

More than 10,000 season tickets have been sold, exceeding the goal for the year. Tickets to individual shows range from $10 to $27; call 265-3107.