By John Gonzalez
WKTV Contributor
Not one, but two Michigan premieres highlight a “thrilling”new season for Broadway Grand Rapids, which announced its 2023-2024 shows on Monday as part of a preview at DeVos Performance Hall.
Celebrating its 35th anniversary, BGR will bring the Michigan premiere of Broadway’s most Tony Award-winning new show of the season, “MJ,” and the musical comedy revival of “Funny Girl,” announced president and CEO Meghan Distel.
Other shows include: “Disney’s Aladdin,” the entertaining “TINA- The Tina Turner Musical,” and the critically acclaimed new play, Harper Lee’s “To Kill A Mockingbird.” In addition, patrons will have the option to add the ever-popular “Les Misérables” and “Wicked.”
“We are thrilled to celebrate our 35th anniversary season with such a stellar line-up” Distel said. “From ‘MJ’ to ‘Aladdin,’ the season is diverse, wildly entertaining, and truly offers something for everyone. It’s the very best of Broadway, adds vibrancy to our city, and keeps Grand Rapids on the map as a cultural destination.”
Ticket Prices
Five-show season packages which include “Funny Girl,” “TINA-The Tina Turner Musical,” “Disney’s Aladdin,” “To Kill A Mockingbird,” and “MJ,” start at $225 and are available now at BroadwayGrandRapids.com/Subscribe, at the Broadway Grand Rapids box office located at 122 Lyon St NW (Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) or by calling the dedicated subscriber hotline at 1-866-928-7469 (Monday – Friday 10a.m. – 5 p.m.).
Season ticket holders have the option to add “Les Misérables” and “Wicked” to their package now. All subscribers are guaranteed the same seats for each show in the five-show package and receive exclusive benefits including interest free payment plan, flexible exchanges, online ticket management, and ability to auto-renew year after year.
For current season ticket holders, the deadline to renew is Monday, March 27.
All performances will be presented at DeVos Performance Hall in downtown Grand Rapids.
Subscription Series
FUNNY GIRL – Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain On My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” this bittersweet comedy is the story of the indomitable Fanny Brice, a girl from the Lower East Side who became one of the most beloved performers in history, shining brighter than the brightest lights of Broadway.
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical – “TINA–The Tina Turner Musical” is the triumphant story of the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll set to the pulse-pounding soundtrack of her most beloved hits. “TINA–The Tina Turner Musical” presents Tina’s journey against all odds to become one of the world’s most beloved artists of all time. Featuring her much loved songs, “TINA–The Tina Turner Musical” is written by Pulitzer Prize award-winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd.
Disney’s ALADDIN – 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.
Harper Lee’s TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD – All rise for Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is “the most successful American play in Broadway history” (60Minutes). New York Magazine calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.” With direction by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR).
MJ – The music. The moves. The icon. Now, the unparalleled artistry of the greatest entertainer of all time comes to Grand Rapids. MJ, the multi–Tony Award-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.
Package Add-Ons
LES MISÉRABLES – Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award- winning musical phenomenon. LES MISÉRABLES. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France. LES MISÉRABLES is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries and 22 languages. LES MISÉRABLES still undisputedly “one of the greatest musicals ever created” (Chicago Tribune).
WICKED – WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin — smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED—the untold true story of the Witches of Oz—transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story that USA Today cheers is “a complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry, and think.”
For more information about events visit www.BroadwayGrandRapids.com
