BROADWAY BALANCES AMERICA Returns Featuring ANASTASIA, COME FROM AWAY, and More

The Balancing Act, the award-winning morning show on the Lifetime Channel, is excited to announce that it has begun shooting the fifth season of the popular series, "Broadway Balances America," sponsored by Broadway Across America. This five-part miniseries will take viewers behind the scenes of some of the most beloved Broadway musicals touring the country, including Anastasia, School of Rock, Come From Away, Miss Saigon, and Cats. "Broadway Balances America" will launch on September 24, 2018.

"This partnership has yielded incredibly compelling behind-the-scenes content for television audiences, and has provided vital exposure for our touring productions," said Lauren Reid, COO, The John Gore Organization. "This year's slate of shows is going to make for some particularly exciting programming, with broad appeal across just about every demographic."

A Telly Award-winning series, "Broadway Balances America" provides behind-the-scenes access and interviews highlighting shows featured on Broadway Across America's 2018-2019 Broadway series nationwide - from Boston to Costa Mesa, from Houston to Omaha, and everywhere in between. The host, Amber Milt, will have the opportunity to meet with the casts, crews, and creative teams for an in-depth look at what it's like to bring these shows to life on the road.

"We're once again excited to provide our viewers a backstage pass and introduce them to the talented teams behind these incredible Broadway shows," said Jeanne Kelly, Supervising Producer for "The Balancing Act." "Soon audiences across America will experience all the music and magic for themselves as the shows head to their local community."

On the first segment, "Broadway Balances America" goes on an epic adventure as host Amber Milt takes us inside the romantic new musical Anastasia. Hear from Lila Coogan, who makes her national tour debut as Anya, and costume designer Linda Cho as we learn how the exquisitely designed costumes and sweeping score transport audiences from the twilight of the Russian EMPIRE to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s. Meet Zach Adkins, who plays Dmitry on Broadway, as he discusses the passion of the fans and passes the torch to Coogan as she sets out to tell this story across the country. Follow along with this empowered princess tale as Anya goes on a journey to the past to discover her identity, conquer her fears, and find home, love, and family.

Next, "Broadway Balances America" gets an all-access look at life as a pint-sized musical prodigy in Andrew Lloyd Webber's School Of Rock. Meet talented rockers Ava Briglia, Layla Capers, and Montgomery Lamb as they welcome Milt into the band and share what it's like to balance being in a Broadway show with being a kid. Learn about THE JOURNEY these young actors experience from their first audition with Casting Associate Claire Burke to first performance (and beyond) with Head Guardian Jill Valentine, who oversees the children backstage. Watch this behind-the-scenes exclusive of the energetic young actors who act, sing, dance, and play their own instruments 8 times a week in this high-octane hit that's coming to ROCK across the country!

Andrew Lloyd Webber said, "School of Rock always resonated with me, because it is a story of how music changes these kids' lives. My most passionate belief is in the power of music in education. Music cuts across all creeds and political views. This exciting opportunity to introduce television audiences to our SCHOOL OF ROCK bandmembers in such an in-depth way will undoubtedly ignite passions in young viewers from coast to coast. I think we need a lot more of that."

The series continues as Broadway Balances America explores the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them in the days following September 11, 2011 through the lens of award-winning musical Come From Away. Learn how creators Irene Sankoff and David Hein and producer Sue Frost compiled 16,000 stories from this 5-day period and ended up with an uplifting 100-minute musical featuring an ensemble of 12 actors. Meet American Airlines Captain Beverley Bass, whose flight was grounded in Gander, and Becky Gulsvig, who portrays Bass' character on tour. Experience an up-close look at the people who continue to share the story of a tragedy that changed the world and how one small town came together and created community - instilling hope in all who bear witness to it.

During the fourth episode, viewers will meet the women bringing Miss Saigon to life. Get to know leading lady Emily Bautista, who plays the iconic role of Kim, and actresses Stacie Bonoand Jackie Nguyen as they prepare to tour the country and show incredible strength on stage and off. Hear from director Laurence Connor as he discusses the grand scale and dose of reality that brings this acclaimed new production to life. "Broadway Balances America" gets a glimpse inside the rehearsal process of this legendary musical that changed Broadway forever and continues to resonate with audiences today.

In the final episode, Broadway Balances America will celebrate one of Broadway's longest-running shows as it tours across the country - Andrew Lloyd Webber's 2016 revival of Cats. Host Amber Milt revisits the record-breaking musical spectacular and transforms into a Jellicle cat with the help of the production team. In addition, Tony Award-winning choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler will discuss his new choreography for the production and how it feels to be a part of this iconic piece. Come to the Jellicle Ball and learn how this musical theatre classic has been refreshed and revived for a new generation!

"As always, there's something for everyone," said Lauren Newman-GIannetti, EVP Brande Entertainment for The Balancing Act. "...A journey with Russian royalty about discovering and owning who we are; rockin' out with the SCHOOL OF ROCK band for an insider's look at life on stage and off; a story to inspire hope through tragedy in remembrance of 9/11; a glimpse into the rehearsal of a legendary musical; and our own Amber Milt transforming into a Jellicle Cat just in time for the ball. Season 5 is on point!"

To learn more about the Broadway Balances America series, please visit: www.broadwaybalancesamericamerica.com

The John Gore ORGANIZATION is the leading developer, producer, distributor and marketer of Broadway theatre worldwide. Under the leadership of 13-time Tony-winning theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, and Group Sales Box Office. The company presents shows in 44 cities across NORTH AMERICA as well as on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London's West End, Japan, and China. It has won TONY AWARDS in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk and Olivier Awards.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com and Group Sales Box Office. Led by 13-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 44 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney's The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton. Current and past productions include The Band's Visit, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Hairspray, Mean Girls, The Producers and Waitress.

THE BALANCING ACT. THE BALANCING ACT is a daily morning show created and produced by BrandStar that brings fresh ideas to today's modern woman to help balance and enrich her life every day. Now in its ninth season, THE BALANCING ACT features everything from delicious recipes, style makeovers and dream getaways to parenting tips and the latest news in health and wealth. Tune in to The Balancing Act, America's premier half-hour show for women and about women, weekday mornings at 7:30 a.m. (ET/PT) on Lifetime. For additional information or to watch an episode, visit: http://www.thebalancingact.com.