Put on your ears! ‘Mickey Mouse Club’ starts its sixth season

More than 15,000 aspiring Mouseketeers auditioned last winter for seven slots on the new Mickey Mouse Club, the third spinoff from the original that premiered in 1955. Who would’ve thought that the ‘90s version would be such a hit?

Christina Aguilera, Nikki Deloach, T.J. Fantini, Ryan Gosling, Tate Lynche, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake will join the returning 13 for a sixth season of music and dance performances, comedy skits and guest stars, as well as some more serious subjects. During the season they’ll tackle such topics as eating disorders, depression and teen suicide--not the usual Disney fare.

Mouseketeer fans seem to love Mousketeer music, so the new mice on the team are only too happy to provide it. They’ve just released a debut album that is a mix of R&B;, hip-hop, and of course, Disney-style music. Recorded during the show’s hiatus, the CD features 12 original songs by 13 club members. A single and a music video are also promised, with a 10-city concert tour scheduled this month to promote the album.

Guests this season will include Jeremy Jordan, Brian McKnight, SWV, Shai, Scott Weinger, Jenna Von Oy, Gabrielle Carteris and Brian Austin Green.

“The Mickey Mouse Club” premieres Monday and airs Monday through Friday at 5:30-6 p.m. on The Disney Channel. For ages 8 to 14.

MORE FAMILY SHOWS

A few weeks ago, host Lynette Jennings looked at options in decorating a girl’s bedroom. In the name of equal time, this week Homeworks (Sunday 10-10:30 a.m Discovery) takes a look at a boy’s bedroom. Other projects include gift baskets, matching veneer table tops and a visit to a wood factory. For parents.

Aspiring writer and romantic Snoopy, along with the whole Peanuts gang, is featured in the premiere of The Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show (Monday-Wednesday 6-6:30 p.m. and Sunday 9-9:30 p.m. Disney Channel). The Disney Channel has acquired the entire Peanuts library and will air some shows that have not been on TV in 20 years. For ages 2 to 8.

Popular children’s performer and recording artist Raffi has achieved international acclaim from his records and concerts. On Raffi on Broadway (Wednesday 7-8 p.m. Disney Channel), he performs songs from his new album as well as his popular versions of “Baby Beluga,” “Down by the Bay” and “Day-O.” Appearing on stage with Raffi are Michael Creber on keyboard and Connie Lebeau on bass and accordion. He’s also joined by Kids for Saving the Earth singing their “Promise Song.” The show was taped at the Gershwin Theater in New York City at the end of his recent North American “Family Tour.” For ages 4 and up.