FUN HOME, AMERICAN IN PARIS, and More Lead Theatre Under The Stars' 2016-17 Season- Full List Announced

Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is pleased to announce an exciting upcoming 2016/17 mainstage season, presented in Sarofim Hall at downtown's Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. TUTS continues a long tradition of bringing the best of musical theatre to the Houston stage, with touring productions of the 2015 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, FUN HOME, and the 2015 Tony Award winner for Best Choreography, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, along with a collection of classic favorites.

Return to a time of poodle skirts and hot rods, dance the night away to the sounds of Gershwin and follow an ogre on a quest to save a princess. With so many spectacular shows, audiences are sure to find new favorites and fall back in love with the classics.

"As we've done for decades, TUTS continues to bring the very best in musical theatre to Houston audiences with our 2016/17 season," says John Breckenridge, TUTS CEO and President. "The TUTS reputation, both among Houstonians, and more and more on the national level continues to gain recognition as an institution that presents an incomparable musical theatre experience."

Grease - September 13 - 25, 2016

After a magical summer romance, teenagers Danny and Sandy find themselves unexpectedly reunited at the same high school. Torn between his faithful flock of T-Birds and the prospect of true love, Danny must find a way to protect his cool-guy reputation without losing "too-pure-to-be-pink" Sandy. Along the way, we follow the adolescent antics of Rydell's finest as the dynamic group of seniors jives their way through sock hops and turf battles, drive-ins and dropouts. Brought to life on the TUTS stage in a leather-clad, hormone-fueled sensation, this Tony Award-winning classic proves that Grease is still the word.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying - October 25 - November 6, 2016

Who knew the key to success could be found in a simple self-help manual? That's Ponty Finch's secret, as he climbs his way from window washer to the top of the World Wide Wicket Company in just two weeks. Page by page, scheme by scheme, rung by rung, we rapidly ascend the corporate ladder with Finch (that's F-I-N-C-H), while his grinning gal pal Rosemary tries to keep him from rising ruthlessly out of control. This singing satire twirls audiences through the superficial splendor of corporate America. Wonderfully colorful and full of good, pointed fun, we'd venture to say it has all the makings for success.

Shrek The Musical - December 6 - 18, 2016

In fairyland's famously untold tale, we follow Shrek, the many-layered ogre, on his self-serving mission to rescue Princess Fiona. By bringing back the beautiful princess to evil Lord Farquaad, Shrek will regain the deed to his swamp along with his precious isolation. However, his initial intentions are soon challenged by a hilarious talking donkey, a fire-breathing dragon, and the mysterious Fiona herself. With its rollicking musical score and clever take on your fairytale favorites, Shrek The Musical proves that happy endings come in every shape and size this holiday season.

An American in Paris - February 21 - March 5, 2017

An American in Paris is the new Tony Award-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014-15 season!

Jesus Christ Superstar - April 4 - 16, 2017

Jesus Christ Superstar introduces a contemporary chronicle of Jesus' last weeks of life, fusing seventies flavor with powerhouse hits from Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice-and unrolling a fresh new look at Nazareth's finest. We follow frontman J.C. and his bell-bottomed believers as tensions rise in the Roman Empire between Jesus, Judas and King Herod. Wailing riffs and electric ballads tell the tragic tale of devotion and betrayal, fame and fury. Infused with anachronistic wit and tubular talent, Superstar is psychedelic, soul-stirring, and the most far-out sensation you'll find this A.D.

Fun Home - May 16 - 28, 2017

2015 Tony Award Winner - Best Musical

Every once in a while a Broadway musical comes along that surprises, moves and excites audiences in ways only a truly landmark musical can. The "groundbreaking," "uplifting" and "exquisite" new musical Fun Home was the event of the Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike, winning five 2015 Tony Awards including Best Musical, and making history along the way. Based on Alison Bechdel's best-selling graphic memoir, Fun Home introduces us to Alison at three different ages, as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood. A refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes, "Fun Home is extraordinary, a rare beauty that pumps fresh air into Broadway." (New York Times)

How To Subscribe

Subscriptions to TUTS' 2016/17 mainstage season start at $184, and are available:
• Online at TUTS.com
• Phone at (713) 558-TUTS
• In person at the TUTS Box Office (800 Bagby St. - Downtown Houston)
• Discounted group subscriptions of 15 or more are available at (713) 558-8888 or via email at groupsales@tuts.com

VIP Subscribers - How to Access the Best Seats

Join TUTS as a Star Patron, Stage Door Circle Member or Founder's Club Member. VIP subscribers enjoy exclusive benefits from intimate cast talk-backs and exclusive events with show partners to backstage tours and more! Visit TUTS.com/clubs to learn more about benefits at each level.

TUTS' 2016/17 season is generously sponsored by Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital. For all shows, air transportation is provided by United Airlines, the official airline of TUTS. Media sponsors include ABC-13 and Houston Chronicle. Season support is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Theater District Association, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

For more information visit TUTS.com.