Broadway Grand Rapids announced its new season with a four-show slate sure to pique the curiosity of every generation.

“A majority of the shows we bring in are musicals and we’re always looking to bring in something different, something new to Grand Rapids. It’s a combination of new and traditional to reach a multi-generational audience,” said Meghan Distel, Director of Marketing for Broadway Grand Rapids.

The planning required to create a new season at Broadway Grand Rapids is quite extensive. Booking a show requires finding shows that will play well with the Grand Rapids audience, planning and scheduling around open dates at the DeVos Performance Hall, and also finding dates that work with the shows themselves and their tour locations. It’s a process that can take over a year, but it’s all worth it.

It’s also important to bring in variety. “They’re all very different. Cinderella and the Sound of Music are classics. Motown should bring in a new crowd because it’s new and features over 40 classic hits,” said Distel.

What exactly does the new season look like? Take a look:

•   Cinderella (September 27 – October 2, 2016)
•   The Sound of Music (February 21-26. 2017)
•   Motown the Musical (May 2 – 7, 2017)
•   Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage (June 6 – 11, 2017)

The season kicks off with Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, an updated version of the classic family favorite with new twists and musical numbers.

Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the beloved film The Sound of Music, which starred Julia Andrews. A stage adaption is coming to Grand Rapids directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O’Brien.

Motown the Musical features more than 40 classic hits and tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. The Michigan roots make it a great show to bring to Grand Rapids.

The season finishes off with an unprecedented live experience of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage. Based off the 1987 iconic film, this performance is full of heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing.

On top of the four featured shows, Broadway Grand Rapids will premier two special event performances. These performances are scheduled to a limited number of shows.

• A Christmas Story The Musical (December 27 – 30, 2016)
• Rent 20th Anniversary Tour (March 14 – 16, 2017)

While the 2016-2017 season is currently generating buzz, Broadway Grand Rapids has already reeled in a big fish for the fall of the 2017-2018 season and it’s something quite Wicked. That’s right, Wicked the Musical will be coming to the DeVos Performance Hall.

To purchase tickets for the upcoming season, visit broadwaygrandrapids.com.

Beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein Family Musical Returns on Stage at Grand Rapids Civic Theatre

By Nancy Brozek

The Sound of Music is returning to the Grand Rapids Civic Stage, November 15 – December 15. The show features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II and book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The beloved Rodgers and Hammerstein Family Musical was based off the memoirs of Maria Augusta Trapp’s “The Trapp Family Singers”.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s final collaboration has become cherished by family audiences around the world. The musical’s fame inspired the creation of the most popular movie musical of all time, making the show in high demand.

“The message to take away from the show is that I hope people would value family, courage and sticking together,” said Penelope Notter, director of The Sound of Music, “This is a brave family, who would not tolerate evil and instead risked their lives to get away. It’s a pretty compelling story. And it is true.”

The Sound of Music follows the story of Maria Rainer, a spirited young woman who was dispatched from a convent to serve as a governess for seven children of the widowed Captain von Trapp. Gradually, the relationship between the stern Captain and Maria grows into a marriage. The couple returns from their honeymoon to find Austria invaded by the Nazis, who call upon the Captain’s service. The story concludes as the family narrowly escapes to Switzerland on the eve of World War II, creating one of the most thrilling and inspirational finales ever presented in theatre.

Ticket Prices $18 – $35

See events calendar for specific days and times: http://grct.org/eventschedule.html

For information on the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre or to purchase tickets, call 616-222-6650 or visit www.GRCT.org.