Breaking News: THE BODYGUARD to Launch National Tour at Paper Mill Playhouse; Full 2016-17 Season Set!

Following its annual season guessing game, Paper Mill Playhouse announced today the lineup for its 2016-2017 season, featuring four musicals, one play and a highly anticipated US premiere. Season subscriptions are on sale now and are available by calling 973-315-3717 or by visiting the theater's website at www.PaperMill.org.

Paper Mill Playhouse will open its 2016-2017 season with the Mel Brooks' laugh-out-loud musical spectacle The Producers (September 28-October 23). In November, Paper Mill Playhouse will launch the national tour of the US premiere musical The Bodyguard (November 25-January 1) starring Grammy Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox. Based on Lawrence Kasdan's Oscar-nominated Warner Bros. film, which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, and adapted by Academy Award-winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman), The Bodyguard had its world premiere in London's West End where it was nominated for four Laurence Olivier Awards including best new musical and won best new musical at the Whatsonstage Awards.

In February, Paper Mill Playhouse presents A Comedy of Tenors (February 1-February 26), the critically acclaimed sequel to Ken Ludwig's Lend Me a Tenor. Paper Mill Playhouse presented Lend Me a Tenor in 2013 and it remains one of the theater's most popular plays.

Next spring, Paper Mill Playhouse will bring some classic rock to New Jersey with Million Dollar Quartet (March 29-April 23), the smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins.

Paper Mill Playhouse will close its 78th season with the practically perfect musical, Mary Poppins (May 24-June 25). Based on the book by P.L. Travers and one of the most popular films of all time, Mary Poppins is an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs and breathtaking dance numbers.

"Paper Mill Playhouse continues its legacy of bringing the finest musical theater to the audiences of New Jersey and beyond," commented Mark S. Hoebee, Producing Artistic Director for the Millburn theater. "We are excited to launch the US premiere musical and national tour of The Bodyguard right here in Millburn. Each time Paper Mill Playhouse has produced a show that has a life beyond our theater, it brings great pride to the people of our state. Paper Mill Playhouse is a leading exporter of art in New Jersey, and we are ecstatic to continue that tradition."

"Paper Mill Playhouse has increased its subscriber base to 22,000 this year," remarked Managing Director Todd Schmidt. "Our subscribers want to be a part of the Paper Mill Playhouse resurgence as we have once again established ourselves as a leader in American musical theater. Subscribers are able to get the best seats at the best price with special insider benefits. Of course, none of what we do would be possible without the generous support of our subscribers, donors, patrons, foundations and corporate partners, including the many years of season sponsorship from our friends at Investors Bank."

Paper Mill Playhouse will produce eight performances a week, Wednesday through Sunday. Three, four and five-show subscription packages are available now starting at just $107. Each subscription package includes a different level of special benefits (see www.papermill.org for details). Single tickets will go on sale in August starting at just $33. Student rush tickets are $20 and available the day of the performance in person or by phone and will only be distributed with current student ID. Tickets and subscriptions may be purchased by calling 973.376.4343, or at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 40% discount on tickets and should call 973.315.1680. Titles, casting and dates subject to change.

Paper Mill Playhouse's 2016-2017 Season

The Producers
September 28 through October 23, 2016
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Original Direction and Choreography by Susan Stroman

Paper Mill Playhouse produces Mel Brooks' award-winning comic musical masterpiece. The Producers is the hilarious smash hit about two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by overselling interests in a Broadway flop. Complications arise when the show unexpectedly turns out to be successful. The show took Broadway by storm in 2001, winning a record-breaking 12 Tony Awards and three Olivier Awards.

The Bodyguard (US Premiere)
November 25, 2016 through January 1, 2017
Based on Lawrence Kasdan's 1992 Warner Bros. film
Book by Alexander Dinelaris
Directed by Thea Sharrock
Choreographed by Karen Bruce

The award-winning musical based on the iconic film, starring Grammy Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox! Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard Frank Farmer is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don't expect is to fall in love. A breathtakingly romantic thriller, The Bodyguard features a host of irresistible classics including "Queen of the Night," "So Emotional," "One Moment in Time," "Saving All My Love," "Run to You," "I Have Nothing," "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and one of the biggest selling songs of all time, "I Will Always Love You."

Ken Ludwig's
A Comedy of Tenors
February 1 through February 26, 2017

The sequel to the grand-slam comedy Lend Me a Tenor! One hotel suite, four tenors, two wives, three girlfriends, and a soccer stadium filled with screaming fans. What could possibly go wrong? It's 1930s Paris and the stage is set for the concert of the century-as long as producer Henry Saunders can keep the amorous Italian superstar and his hot-blooded wife from causing runaway chaos. An uproarious ride, full of mistaken identities, bedroom hijinks, and madcap delight.

Million Dollar Quartet
March 29 through April 23, 2017
Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux
Original Concept and Direction by Floyd Mutrux
Inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins

The smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. Featuring a score of hits including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Great Balls of Fire," "Walk the Line," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Folsom Prison Blues" and more. This thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio for one unforgettable night.

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's
Mary Poppins
May 24 through June 25, 2017
A Musical based on the stories of P.L. Travers and the Walt Disney film
Original Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman
Book by Julian Fellowes
New Songs and Additional Music and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles

Based on the book by P.L. Travers, Mary Poppins is one of the most popular films of all time reconceived for the stage by Julian Fellowes (Downton Abbey). Mary Poppins takes us on a magical and memorable adventure. It's an enchanting mixture of irresistible story, unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers, and a little bit of magic. Among its accolades, Mary Poppins received nominations for nine Olivier Awards and seven Tony Awards, including best musical. Treat the entire family to this treasured story.