Producers Fran Kirmser and Tony Ponturo today announced that they will bring the hit show Lombardi home to Wisconsin for a special series of dramatic readings in July. Direct from their successful Broadway run, members of the original cast of Lombardi will bring the spirit of a legendary coach to life in the Lambeau Field Atrium and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in Appleton. Led by veteran actor Dan Lauria (who originated the role on Broadway), the play by Academy Award winner and Wisconsin native Eric Simonson soars in a staged dramatic reading. Without the costumes and make-up, without the pigskin props and muddy cleats, the legend of Lombardi has the spotlight.
"Tony and I are very pleased to find a way to bring the ‘Lombardi' Broadway company to Green Bay and the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center for this series of very special performances," said Kirmser. "There were thousands who made the trek to see the play during our Broadway run, and we are now looking forward to bringing ‘The Coach' home to Wisconsin for what will be some memorable nights in July."
Lombardi: A Reading by the Broadway Cast will be held in the Lambeau Field Atrium in Green Bay, Wisconsin on July 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and will be priced at $45.00. The cast will then move to the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center for readings on July 28 at 7:30 p.m. and July 29-30 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets at Fox Cities start at $30. Lombardi: A Reading by the Broadway Cast will go on sale Wednesday, June 22 at 10:00 a.m. and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787 or online at ticketmaster.com. Groups of 10 or more for Fox Cities can order now by calling (920) 730-3786. Tickets are subject to availability, and additional fees may apply. Tickets for the Lambeau Field dates can also be purchased at the Packers Ticker Office, while the Fox Cities P.A.C. engagement can also be purchased in person at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center's ticket office and online at
foxcitiespac.com.
Ticket buyers attending the Thursday, July 28 at the Fox Cities P.A.C. will have the option to attend a cast party immediately following the reading for an additional fee of $50. Cast party tickets are limited, and a portion of the proceeds will support the Center's mission-based activities. Ticket buyers attending the Center's matinee readings on July 29-30 will be invited to stay for a postshow chatback with the cast at no additional charge.
Fox Cities Performing Arts Center Annual Partners and Season Ticket Holders will have a priority purchase opportunity starting on June 16 at 10:00 a.m. Those interested should contact the Center's ticket office for details at (920) 730-3760.
Sport produces great human drama and there is no greater sports icon to bring to theatrical life than Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi, unquestionably one of the most inspirational and quotable personalities of all time.
Dan Lauria ("The Wonder Years") led the Broadway cast of Lombardi, a new American play by Academy Award winner
Eric Simonson. Though football's Super Bowl trophy is named for him, few know the real story of Lombardi the man-his inspirations, his passions and ability to drive people to achieve what they never thought possible. Directed by Tony® nominee
Thomas Kail (In the Heights), Lombardi is based on the best-selling biography "When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi" by Pulitzer Prize-winning author
David Maraniss.
The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in downtown Appleton, provides a premier venue for live performing arts. The Center proudly serves as a gathering place for the community to engage in educational opportunities while enhancing a greater understanding and appreciation of the live performing arts. For more information on upcoming events, education programs and community involvement go to foxcitiespac.com. The Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Where the Arts Come Alive!
Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos
