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JUST ANNOUNCED: 17/18 #BWYPHL season PLUS those details on @HamiltonMusical’s Philly run you have been craving. More at kimmelcenter.org
Press Contact:
Amanda Conte
(215) 790-5847
aconte@kimmelcenter.org
THE KIMMEL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS AND THE SHUBERT ORGANIZATION PRESENT
2017/18 BROADWAY PHILADELPHIA SEASON SHOWCASES 12 BLOCKBUSTER PRODUCTIONS WITH A COMBINED 31 TONY AWARD® WINS
HAMILTON ANNOUNCED FOR 2018/19 SEASON
2017-18 Season Highlight Include First National Tours of School of Rock, Finding Neverland, Waitress, Something Rotten!, Disney’s Aladdin, and On Your Feet!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE (Philadelphia, PA, March 17, 2017) – The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization announced today the 2017/18 Broadway Philadelphia season, featuring a dazzling lineup of Tony Award®-winning productions and the most recent Broadway hits. The upcoming season features productions with a combined 31 Tony Awards® and 18 Drama Desk™ Awards. This season also introduces seven brand-new national touring shows making their Philadelphia premieres. Subscribers will not only receive priority access to the best seats for the 2017/18 season, but they will also be the first to access tickets when Hamilton arrives in Philadelphia during the 2018/19 season when they renew their subscription for the 2018/19 season.
Season ticket packages for the 2017/18 season are now on sale.
The 2017/18 season will bring the best of touring Broadway to Philadelphia, featuring the latest Tony® Award-winning Broadway productions, as well as returning beloved classics.
Seven productions will be making their Philadelphia Premieres, including: Finding Neverland, Waitress, Something Rotten!, School of Rock, On Your Feet!, and Disney’s Aladdin. Returning favorites include; Kinky Boots, The Color Purple, The Phantom of the Opera, STOMP, Les Misérables,and The Sound of Music. Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization, with productions at the Academy of Music, Forrest Theatre, and the Merriam Theater.
“We are thrilled to announce our outstanding 2017/18 Broadway Philadelphia season!” said Anne Ewers, President & CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. “We look forward to bringing a season brimming with both Broadway classics and recent Broadway hits. We are also very excited to announce HAMILTON as part of the 2018/19 season.”
“We are delighted to partner with The Kimmel Center once again to present another stellar lineup as part of Broadway Philadelphia,” said Philip J. Smith, Chairman of The Shubert Organization, Inc. “This season’s productions represent Broadway at its very best, and has something for every theatergoer.”
Tickets
Broadway Philadelphia subscription packages are on sale now. Subscribers save up to 25% off single ticket prices and are offered a variety of exclusive privileges, including the first opportunity to select the best seats in the house and the option to renew their seats each year. Subscribers also enjoy a host of benefits, including free exchanges, priority ticket access, payment plan options, and more.
7-show packages are available now and include Tuesday through Sunday performances of Finding Neverland, The Color Purple, Waitress, Something Rotten!, School of Rock, On Your Feet!, and Aladdin.
IN ORDER TO GAIN PRIORITY ACCESS TO TICKETS FOR HAMILTON’S PHILADELPHIA RUN DURING THE 2018-19 BROADWAY PHILADELPHIA SEASON, PATRONS MUST SUBSCRIBE FOR THE 2017-18 SEASON AND RENEW THEIR SUBSCRIPTION FOR THE 2018/19 SEASON.
Subscription packages range from $219.00 to $839.00 and are available online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway17-18 or by calling 215-893-1955. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Visit online at kimmelcenter.com/groupsales or telecharge.com/groups.
Single tickets for individual productions will go on sale at a later date.
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2017/18 BROADWAY PHILADELPHIA SHOW OVERVIEWS
FINDING NEVERLAND
November 21–26, 2017 • Academy of Music
The winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart,” says TIME Magazine. Vogue cheers, “It’s a must-see you’ll remember for years to come!” Directed by visionary Tony®-winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award® winning film, Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. Finding Neverland is “far and away the best musical of the year!” (NPR).
THE COLOR PURPLE
December 12–17, 2017 • The Forrest Theatre
The Color Purple is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival! Hailed as “a direct hit to the heart” (The Hollywood Reporter), this joyous American classic about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South has conquered Broadway in an all-new "ravishingly reconceived production that is a glory to behold”(The New York Times), directed by Tony winner John Doyle.
WAITRESS
February 13–February 18, 2018 • The Forrest Theatre
Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song"), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland). "It's an empowering musical of the highest order!" raves The Chicago Tribune.
Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna – a waitress and expert pie maker. Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.
SOMETHING ROTTEN!
February 27–March 4, 2018 • Academy of Music
With 10 Tony® nominations including Best Musical, Something Rotten! is a “big, fat hit!” (New York Post). Set in the ‘90s – the 1590s – this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write their own hit play while the "rock star" Shakespeare keeps getting all the hits. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first MUSICAL! With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten! is “The Producers + Spamalot + The Book of Mormon. Squared!” (New York Magazine).
SCHOOL OF ROCK
March 27–April 1, 2018 • Academy of Music
School of Rock is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and “An inspiring jolt of energy, joy and mad skillz!” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from
Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Vanity Fair raves, “fists of all ages shall be pumping!”
ON YOUR FEET!
April 10–15, 2018 • Academy of Music
From their humble beginnings in Cuba, Emilio and Gloria Estefan came to America and broke through all barriers to become a crossover sensation at the very top of the pop music world. But just when they thought they had it all, they almost lost everything. From international superstardom to life-threatening tragedy, On Your Feet! takes you behind the music and inside the real story of this record-making and groundbreaking couple who, in the face of adversity, found a way to end up on their feet. Directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), with choreography by Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and an original book by Academy Award® winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), On Your Feet! features some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter-century — and one of the most inspiring stories in music history.
The Kimmel Center is a co-producer of One Your Feet! through the Independent Presenters Network.
DISNEY’S ALADDIN
June 13–July 1, 2018 • Academy of Music
Discover a whole new world at Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of Aladdin, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Hailed by USA Today as “Pure Genie-Us,” Aladdin features all your favorite songs from the film as well as new music written by Tony® and Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (Newsies) with lyrics penned by the legendary Howard Ashman (BeautyandtheBeast), Tony Award winner Tim Rice (The Lion King, Aida), and book writer Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer).
Directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (TheBookofMormon, SomethingRotten!), this “Fabulous” and “Extravagant” (TheNew York Times) new musical boasts an incomparable design team, with sets, costumes and lighting from Tony Award winners Bob Crowley (Mary Poppins), Gregg Barnes (Kinky Boots), and Natasha Katz (An American in Paris). See why audiences and critics agree, Aladdin is “Exactly What You Wished For!" (NBC-TV).
SEASON ADD-ON SHOWS
KINKY BOOTS
October 3–October 8, 2017 • Academy of Music
Kinky Boots is Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit! With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan.
Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. With direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray) and a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), Kinky Boots is the winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Choreography.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
November 1–12, 2017 • Academy of Music
Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success, The Phantom of the Opera, will return to Philadelphia as part of a brand new North American Tour. Hailed by critics as bigger and better than ever before, this production boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier, new scenic and lighting designs, new staging and choreography. The beloved story and thrilling score is performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this PHANTOM one of the largest productions now on tour.
STOMP
December 26–31, 2017 • Merriam Theater
STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty, and utterly unique—an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show. As the Boston Globe says, “If you haven’t seen STOMP, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.
LES MISÉRABLES
January 9 – 21, 2018• Academy of Music
Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from its acclaimed Broadway return. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars," “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1).
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
April 24 – April 29, 2018 • Merriam Theater
“Sparkling, fresh and lively.” – Los Angeles Times
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! A brand new production of The Sound of Music is coming to Philadelphia. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,”“Climb Ev’ry Mountain,”“Edelweiss” and the title song.
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The Shubert Organization
For more than 100 years, The Shubert Organization has been in the forefront of the American theatre. Under the leadership of Philip J. Smith, Chairman, and Robert E. Wankel, President, the Shubert Organization owns and operates 17 Broadway theatres and six Off-Broadway venues, as well as the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia. The company has produced and co-produced hundreds of plays and musicals, including the original Broadway production of CATS, Dreamgirls, Sunday in the Park with George, Amadeus, The Real Thing, The Grapes of Wrath, Equus, The Elephant Man, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, School of Rock The Musical, The Humans, and Dear Evan Hansen. The Shubert Organization is proud of its ongoing refurbishment program for its theatres, seeking to preserve the historic character while modernizing them to accommodate the needs of today’s audiences.
The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, the Kimmel Center’s mission is to operate a world-class performing arts center that engages and serves a broad audience through diverse programming, arts education, and community outreach. The Kimmel Center Campus is comprised of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, SEI Innovation Studio, and the Merck Arts Education Center), the Academy of Music (owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association), and the Merriam Theater. The Kimmel Center is also home to eight Resident Companies: The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philly POPS, PHILADANCO, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Curtis Institute of Music. With nearly 9,000 seats per night, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is the region’s most impactful performing arts center, and the second largest in the country. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is the season sponsor of the Kimmel Center’s 2016-2017 Season. American Airlines is the official airline of Broadway Philadelphia. For additional information, visit kimmelcenter.org.
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For photography, please visit www.kcpress.smugmug.com
For a PDF version of this press release, please click here