MOTOWN THE MUSICAL Tour Premiere, Sting's LAST SHIP Pre-Broadway Tryout & More Set for Broadway In Chicago's Spring 2014 Season

Broadway In Chicago has announced the upcoming 2014 spring season line-up. Supporting Broadway In Chicago's commitment to Chicagoans seeing shows first, the season features four premieres. Coming to Chicago first is the World Premiere Pre-Broadway production of THE LAST SHIP, the U.S. Tour Premiere of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL and the North American Premiere of HEARTBEAT OF HOME, as well as the U.S. Tour Premiere of BUYER AND CELLAR as an off-season special. Also included in the season is GHOST THE MUSICAL, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, PETER & THE STARCATCHERand THE WIZARD OF OZ. The 2014 spring off-season includes: ONCE UPON A DREAM STARRING THE RASCALS, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, ALTON BROWN LIVE!, CHICAGO, ROCK OF AGES, ERTH'S DINOSAUR ZOO and MAMMA MIA!.

The Broadway In Chicago Season is available now to current subscribers and will go on sale to the public Friday, October 11. The complete Broadway In Chicago 2014 spring season line-up, including performances dates and venues, is as follows:

GHOST THE MUSICAL
Jan. 7 - 19, 2014
Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph)
Relive the iconic and magical moments from the Oscar-winning movie Ghost in a brand-new Broadway musical. GHOST THE MUSICAL features an original pop score from multiple Grammy Award-winners Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard and is adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin. GHOST THE MUSICALfollows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam's untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death. Ghost The Musicalis "eye-poppingly brilliant" (AP) and "unlike anything seen onstage before!" (Newsday).

HEARTBEAT OF HOME
NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE
March 4 - 16, 2014
Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph)
Created by the Producers and Director of Riverdance,HEARTBEAT OF HOME is a new music and dance spectacular featuring the dynamic, vibrant components of traditional Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban music and dance. The world-class cast of thirty-nine includes a ten-piece band creating a new and electrifying sound written by award-winning, Golden-Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne. HEARTBEAT OF HOMEemploys high-definition, cutting-edge projection technology and has an engaging narrative structure. Produced by Moya Doherty, devised and directed by John McColgan with narrative and lyrics by award-winning Irish writer Joseph O'Connor. Joseph comments: 'when we marry the sexiness of salsa to the thunder of Irish dance, the lyricism of tango to the yearning of Sean-nós, what a night of storytelling we shall have'.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT
March 18 - 30, 2014
Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph)
One of the most enduring shows of all time, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son. The first collaboration of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Jesus Christ Superstar, Phantom of the Opera, Cats) and Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King), JOSEPH blends pop, country and rock into an uplifting, technicolored story of biblical proportions. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including Those Canaan Days, Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door. Broadway and television star Diana DeGarmo and Broadway star Ace Young will head up the cast of the new touring production of JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER
April 2 - 13, 2014
Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe)
WINNER OF 5 TONY AWARDS!
PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, a grown up's prequel to Peter Pan, is the innovative and imaginative musical play based on the best?selling novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson written by Tony Award nominee Rick Elice and directed by Tony Award?winner Roger Rees and Tony Award?nominee Alex Timbers. A company of a dozen actors play more than a hundred unforgettable characters, all on a journey to answer the century?old question: How did Peter Pan become The Boy Who Never Grew Up? This epic origin story of popular culture's most enduring and beloved character proves that your imagination is the most captivating place in the world. PETER AND THE STARCATCHER is suitable for younger audiences but most enjoyable for 10+.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL
U.S. TOUR PREMIERE
April 22 - July 13, 2014
Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph)
MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy's journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye and so many more. Featuring classic songs such as "My Girl" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," MOTOWN THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack that changed America. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. With a book by Berry Gordy and directed by Charles Randolph-Wright, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL launches its national tour in Chicago beginning April 22.

THE WIZARD OF OZ
April 30 - May 11, 2014
Cadillac Palace Theatre(151 West Randolph)
Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts' desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for all the family. Starring Danielle Wade as Dorothy, who was chosen by the Canadian public through CBC TV's reality show "Over The Rainbow," the tour of THE WIZARD OF OZ is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic. Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this new production contains all the beloved Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg songs from the Oscar-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

THE LAST SHIP
PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE
June 10 - July 13, 2014
Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe)
With an original score by 16-time Grammy Award winner Sting, THE LAST SHIP will have its pre-Broadway World Premiere at Chicago's Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe) for a limited five-week engagement June 10 - July 13, 2014. THE LAST SHIP will open on Broadway in the fall of 2014. An epic yet intimate tale inspired by Sting's own childhood experiences, this World Premiere production features direction by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Wicked), a book by Tony Award winnerJohn Logan (Red) and Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal) and choreography by Olivier Award winner and Tony Award Nominee Steven Hoggett (Once). "The memories at the heart of THE LAST SHIP have occupied my mind for most of my life," said Sting. "I was compelled to tell this story, and I've had the great fortune of collaborating with an enormously talented team."

OFF-SEASON SPECIALS
ONCE UPON A DREAM STARRING THE RASCALS
Nov. 5 - 10, 2013
Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph)
A hybrid of a rock 'n' roll concert and a Broadway show, ONCE UPON A DREAM STARRING THE RASCALS,marks the first time The Rascals, America's classic blue-eyed soul band, have played together since 1970. Original band members Eddie Brigati (vocals), Felix Cavaliere (keyboard & vocals), Gene Cornish(guitar) and Dino Danelli (drums) will present a complete concert performance including songs that captured the spirit of America in the 1960's, such as their smash hits "Good Lovin'," "Lonely Too Long," "It's a Beautiful Morning," "How Can I Be Sure" and "Groovin'." The production features the history of the iconic group told through archival footage, narration, and dramatic film segments viewed on the latest LED screen technology.

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Jan. 9 - March 2, 2014
Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph)
Cameron Mackintosh's Spectacular New Production
Following an acclaimed sold-out tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's phenomenal musical success, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, will come to Chicago as part of a brand new North American Tour. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is "bigger and better than ever before." ThisPHANTOM features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler, and a new staging by director Laurence Connor. The production, overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, boasts many exciting special effects including the show's legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score - with songs like "Music of the Night," "All I Ask Of You," and "Masquerade" - will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this PHANTOM one of the largest productions now on tour.

ALTON BROWN LIVE! THE EDIBLE INEVITABLE TOUR
Feb. 8, 2014
Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph)
Alton Brown, Iron Chef host and renowned television personality, is taking his brand of quirky humor and culinary science on the road with the ALTON BROWN LIVE! THE EDIBLE INEVITABLE TOUR, coming to Chicago for one day only! Tickets for the evening performance at 8:00 p.m. are sold out. Tickets for the added 3:00 p.m. performance are on-sale now. Recently named Best Food TV Personality at The Munchies, Brown's tour promises to be an eventful evening of stand-up comedy, talk show antics, multimedia lectures, live music and food experimentation. Be prepared. Ponchos will be involved. The show will offer an interactive component in which audience members will have the opportunity to serve as Brown's trusted assistants on stage. For those hoping to sip at the pure source oF Brownian wit and wisdom, this is a must-see extravaganza for the whole family.

CHICAGO
Feb. 25 - March 2, 2014
Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe)
A true New York City institution, CHICAGO has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping-song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you've ever seen. No wonder CHICAGO has been honored with 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations. It's also no surprise that CHICAGO has wowed audiences all around the world, including Mexico City, Moscow, Sao Paulo and South Africa. Whether you're looking for your first Broadway musical, whether you've seen the Academy Award-winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or whether you've seen it before and want to recapture the magic, CHICAGO always delivers.

ROCK OF AGES
March 11 - 16, 2014
Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe)
Chicago can't fight the feelin' anymore! ROCK OF AGES returns to Chicago for one week only! The worldwide party musical ROCK OF AGES features a mix of 28 rockin' 80's tunes including DON'T STOP BELIEVIN', WE BUILT THIS CITY, THE FINAL COUNTDOWN, WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE, HERE I GO AGAIN, CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING and I WANT TO KNOW WHAT LOVE IS. In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small town girl met a big city rocker and in LA's most famous rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the 80's. Its five time 2009 Tony nominee ROCK OF AGES, an arena-rock love story told through the mind blowing, face-melting hits of JOURNEY,Night Ranger, STYX, REO SPEEDWAGON, PAT BENATAR, TWISTED SISTER, POISON, ASIA, WHITESNAKE and many more. Don't miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on.

Erth's DINOSAUR ZOO Live
March 26 - 30, 2014
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place(175 East Chestnut)
Erth's DINOSAUR ZOO Live takes you on a tour through pre-historic Australia, bringing an eye-popping array of ancient creatures to life on stage. You will observe and interact with extraordinarily life-like creatures, just like those that inhabited the Southern Hemisphere millions of years ago. Meet a menagerie of insects, mammals and dinosaurs in their ancient environment, in this highly imaginative, entertaining and educational live show. From the sweetly curious baby Dryosaur, to the peaceful hulk Titanosaur, and even the teeth-gnashing T-rex --Erth's DINOSAUR ZOO Live is a unique interactive theater performance that stimulates the imagination in a way that connects children to their world. Erth's large-scale puppets were developed in consultation with paleontologists, based on current science and interpretations of fossil evidence. Employing sophisticated design and electronics, these giants are brought to life by skilled performers and puppeteers, made all the more real through the magic of theatre.

BUYER & CELLAR
U.S. TOUR PREMIERE
Beginning April 29, 2014
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 East Chestnut)
BUYER & CELLAR, starring Michael Urie, written by Jonathan Tolins and directed by Stephen Brackett, will play Chicago for a limited engagement beginning April 29, 2014 at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut). Darren Bagert, Dan Shaheen, Ted Snowdon and Daryl Roth, producer of Tony Award-winning "Kinky Boots," bring this hilarious new comedy to Chicago. Alex More has a story to tell. A struggling actor in L.A., Alex takes a job working in the mall in Barbra Streisand's Malibu basement. One day, the Lady Herself comes downstairs to play. It feels like real bonding in the basement, but will their relationship ever make it upstairs? BUYER & CELLAR is an outrageous comedy about the price of fame, the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs.

MAMMA MIA!
May 13 - 18, 2014
Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph)
An independent, single mother who owns a small hotel on an idyllic Greek island, Donna is about to let go of Sophie, the spirited daughter she's raised alone. For Sophie's wedding, Donna has invited her two lifelong best girlfriends-practical and no-nonsense Rosie and wealthy, multi-divorcee Tanya - from her one-time backing band, Donna and the Dynamos. But Sophie has secretly invited three guests of her own. On a quest to find the identity of her father to walk her down the aisle, she brings back three men from Donna's past to the Mediterranean paradise they visited 20 years earlier. Over 24 chaotic, magical hours, new love will bloom and old romances will be rekindled on this lush island full of possibilities. Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA's songs from "Dancing Queen" and "S.O.S." to "Money, Money, Money" and "Take a Chance on Me," MAMMA MIA! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found.

The Broadway In Chicago Season is available now to current subscribers and will go on sale to the public Friday, October 11, 2013. Tickets are now available for groups of 15 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets for 2014 Spring Season productions will go on sale at a later date.