Diversity is a word that no theater in the county embraces more than San Diego Repertory Theatre.

The theater has been a launchpad over the years for plays with Latino, black, Jewish, Christian and multicultural themes. But this season, San Diego Rep is outdoing even itself. Virtually every element of its 2007-'08 season celebrates a different ethnic, religious or cultural tradition.

"At the center of our programming at San Diego Rep is the deep belief that bringing people together and building bridges across cultures and traditions promotes a wiser, more progressive and inclusive community," said Sam Woodhouse, artistic director of the Rep. "At our best and most basic, attending San Diego Rep is like walking across a bridge between your mind and another."

The season opens Friday with "Ain't Misbehavin': the Fats Waller Musical Show," a celebration of the music of the famed Harlem Renaissance composer and pianist Thomas "Fats" Waller. Choreographed and directed by Patdro Harris, it stars "Living Single" television star TC Carson.

"We at the Rep are fascinated with the great variety of American music," said Woodhouse. "The stride piano, social commentary, unashamed sensuality and humor in the music of Fats Waller stands out as one of the 20th century's most unique musical expressions."

The season continues Oct. 17 with the opening of the Reduced Shakespeare Company's "The Bible: The Complete Word of God (abridged)." The Rep had success with other RSC productions in the past, and Woodhouse said he believes "The Bible" is the company's funniest script.

"We're eager and curious to discover the range of reactions from Christians and Jews and everyone else to what the creators call 'the greatest stories ever accepted as fact.' "

Up until two years ago, the Rep's holiday slot was filled every year by Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." But the company moved in a new direction last year with non-seasonal fare. This season, the holiday slot will be filled by Latino comedian Rick Najera's comedy "Sweet 15: Quinceanera." Najera grew up in San Diego and sets this multigenerational Latino family comedy in National City. Woodhouse describes it as "a play about one of the most significant passages in the life of a Latino woman." It runs Nov. 17 to Dec. 16.

A workshop production will fill the Rep's fourth season slot, Jan 4-20, 2008. Assistant artistic director Todd Salovey adapts and directs Sherri Mandell's award-winning book "The Blessing of a Broken Heart" for the stage. The world premiere play is the story of a Maryland woman who moves her family to Israel to rediscover her faith and her heritage.

"This is simply an extraordinary story of crisis and healing that speaks beautifully and eloquently to our conflicted times," Woodhouse said of "Blessing."

And the season closes with Sarah Ruhl's Pulitzer Prize-nominated play "The Clean House," about a Brazilian housekeeper who stirs up emotions in the sterile home of an upscale couple. It will run Feb. 23 to March 22, 2008.

"This is the best new American play I have read in years," Woodhouse said of "The Clean House." And it's perfect for the Rep because it is performed in three languages with characters from three cultures. "

As always, the Rep will host its 16th annual Kuumba Fest, celebrating American black culture, Feb. 1 to 3, and its 15th annual Lipinsky Family Jewish Arts Festival in May and June of 2008.

"Ain't Misbehavin': The Fats Waller Musical Show"

When: Opens Sept. 14 and runs through Oct. 14; showtimes, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays; 7 p.m. Sundays and Tuesdays

Where: Lyceum Theatre, 79 Horton Plaza, San Diego

Tickets: $28-$51

Info: (619) 544-1000

Web: www.sandiegorep.com