BWW Exclusive Details On Theatre Under the Stars' Season of Audience Favorites

Proudly announcing Theatre Under the Stars' (TUTS) 47th season, Artistic Director Bruce Lumpkin says, "As Houston's largest homegrown musical theatre organization, there's a lot to be excited about!" Certainly, there simply is no denying that the season features a truly diverse array of audience favorites from Broadway's golden classics to contemporary hits. Bruce Lumpkin adds, "We're presenting some of the most exciting things happening on the musical theatre stages! We've got some of the classics, some of the edgier shows, and we've got some of the freshest productions from New York. I don't think it gets any better than this! Trust me when I say that TUTS is moving and shaking things up!" At the bottom line, TUTS is in a unique position to offer Houston audiences "both self-produced shows as well as national tours, so I think that the Houston audiences are going to enjoy the best of both worlds."

Opening TUTS' 47th Season is a local production of VICTOR/VICTORIA, the 1995 musical based on the 1982 film by the same name starring Julie Andrews. The musical features a hit score by Henry Mancini and Frank Wildhorn, lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Frank Wildhorn, and a book by Blake Edwards. It tells the story of an out-of-work soprano, Victoria, who conspires with the flamboyant Toddy to become "Victor." Once performing as Victor, the persona becomes an overnight sensation in Paris nightclubs. Things go awry when Victoria falls for King Marchan, a macho Chicago gangster. With a diverse score made up of songs like "Le Jazz Hot," "Crazy World," "Chicago, Illinois," and "Almost a Love Song," this modern classic is sure to thrill and entertain audiences. The show will play from September 16 - 28, 2014.

Next, the RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR starring The Rockettes makes its triumphant return to Houston's Hobby Center after eight years with an all new show! This season's offering features "brand-new scenes, new sets and costumes, breathtaking special effects and an unforgettable new finale!" For the brand-new scene, New York at Christmas, The Rockettes dance on a life size double-decker tour bus, taking audiences on a guided tour through the streets of New York City, and a 50-foot LED screen is used to augment this scene and the full show with breathtaking imagery. Also, favorites like the Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and the Living Nativity return, and both are poised to captivate audiences again. Don't miss the most spectacular Christmas ever imagined as it runs December 5 - 28, 2014. This production is being presented as part of both TUTS' and Gexa Energy Broadway At The Hobby Center's 2014-2015 Seasons.

In their commitment to bring the best of Broadway to Houston, TUTS kicks off 2015 with Broadway's high-heeled hit KINKY BOOTS. The winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score, this musical tells the story of Charlie Price, who has inherited his father's struggling shoe factory. In effort to save the family business, Charlie finds inspiration in the form of Lola, an entertainer who is in desperate need of well-built stilettos. Over the course of the musical, the unlikely pair finds that they have a surprising amount in common. Armed with a pop score penned by Cyndi Lauper, direction and Tony-winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell, this splashy show is sure to leave audiences uplifted and saying "Yeah!" Houston audiences can strut their stuff in style with Charlie Price and Lola from February 10 - 22, 2015. (P.S. I personally think this heartwarming show would make the perfect Valentine's Day Gift!)

In March 2015, TUTS is bringing Houston audiences the irresistibly fun new National Tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit family musical JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, this production features Broadway veterans and American Idol competitors Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young as The Narrator and Joseph, respectively. Pulled from the pages of Genesis, this delightfully tuneful musical tells of the trials and tribulations faced by Joseph, Israel's favorite son, as he was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and never gave up on his journey to return home. The score features Broadway favorites like "Any Dream Will Do," "Close Every Door," "Those Canaan Days," and an Elvis inspired take on Pharaoh. TUTS' presentation of this tour is sure to leave Houston audiences cheering "Go, go, go Joseph!" from March 17 - 29, 2015.

For the summer of 2015, TUTS is proudly self-producing one of the most cherished musicals in American theatre, THE MUSIC MAN. This great American classic tells the story of Harold Hill, a fast-talking, musical instruments salesman, who cons the people of River City, Iowa. Believing that he can teach their children to play in a marching band, Harold's scheme is complicated when he falls for the witty and beautiful town librarian, Marian. Since 1957 MerEdith Wilson's six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy has been a true favorite of audiences. Without a doubt, this is a family-friendly story to be shared with every generation. Featuring a score and story that are quintessentially American, audiences are sure to enjoy such Broadway standards as "Seventy-Six Trombones" and "Trouble." This wondrously nostalgic musical plays from May 5 - 17, 2015.

Concluding their 2014-2015 season, TUTS is bringing in the National Tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA. Written by the team that brought us OKLAMHOMA! and THE KING AND I, this musical, which had its long awaited Broadway debut in 2013, features a score filled with such favorites as "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/It's Possible," "Ten Minutes Ago," and new book by Douglas Carter Beane. Since Julie Andrews first starred in the made-for-TV film of CINDERELLA, this take on the classic tale has delighted audiences with its lush score, opulent orchestrations, and magical transformations. This beloved musical treasure plays from May 26 - June 7, 2015.

New and renewing subscriptions to the Theatre Under The Stars 2014-2015 season are available online at http://www.tuts.com, by phone at (713) 558-TUTS, outside the Houston area at (888) 558-3882, or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office (800 Bagby at Walker). For a full season brochure, call Theatre Under The Stars at (713) 558-2600. Discounted group subscriptions of 15 or more are also available by calling (713) 558-8888.

In addition to this phenomenal season schedule, TUTS continues to provide new and exciting theatre experiences. Each show features an assortment of various events and opportunities:

• Exclusive VIP events such as intimate cast talk-backs, exclusive events with show partners, backstage tours, and more!
• OUT@TUTS, the GLBT-friendly group which hosts a cabaret-style evening in Artista restaurant the first Thursday of each show. Visit http://www.TUTS.com/OUT for more information.

Throughout the season, special event information will be available at http://www.TUTS.com/Events.

All photos courtesy of Theatre Under the Stars.