Musical Comedy HALF TIME, Formerly GOTTA DANCE, Eyes Spring 2017 Broadway Bow

Producers Dori Berinstein and Bill Damaschke announced today that the new musical comedy formerly known as Gotta Dance, which recently played a triumphant World Premiere at Broadway in Chicago's Bank of America Theater, will open on Broadway in the Spring of 2017 as HALF TIME.

"We are thrilled with our new title HALF TIME and feel it far better captures the story and spirit of the show that came together during our premiere in Chicago," producers Berinstein and Damaschke said. "We are so excited for theatergoers on Broadway to experience the heart, humor and joy of HALF TIME, as can only be found in a Jerry Mitchell production!"

It was also announced today that award-winning singer, songwriter and music producer Ester Dean has collaborated with Matthew Sklar (composer) and Nell Benjamin (lyricist) on a new finale number, bringing her Signature Sound to the project. Dean, perhaps best known from the films Pitch Perfect and Pitch Perfect 2, has also co-written songs for many artists including Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Nicki Minaj, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry's megahit "Firework" and many more.

"It is such a pleasure to have Ester Dean join our team," Mitchell said. "She has produced some the biggest and best contemporary pop tunes that always keep us moving. Now, together with Matt Sklar and Nell Benjamin, this team will have you dancing up the aisle, into Times Square and all the way home!"

HALF TIME boasts an all-star creative team that includes a book by Tony Award- nominee Chad Beguelin (Aladdin) and Tony Award-winner Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone), an original score by Tony and Emmy Award nominee Matthew Sklar (Elf) and lyrics by Tony Award-nominee Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), with additional music by Marvin Hamlisch (an Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Oscar winner) and direction and choreography by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), with co-choreography by Nick Kenkel.

One remarkable dance team. One big chance. One small twist...you've got to be over 60.

From the director/choreographer of Kinky Boots comes the incredible true story of ten ordinary seniors with extraordinary dreams who audition to dance at half time for a major basketball team. Only after making the cut do they learn they won't be dancing tap, salsa or swing - instead, they will bring down the house with a style that is entirely new to them: hip hop.

Take the uplifting journey with these dreamers - and the young coaches who inspire them along the way - as they battle self-doubt, stereotypes, and even each other for a chance to bust a move at center court in front of 20,000 screaming fans. Together they remind us that in life, when the odds are stacked against you and the challenges seem too great to overcome, it's not the end of the game-it's HALF TIME.

The creative team of HALF TIME reunites Mitchell with his Kinky Boots collaborators, including Tony Award-winner David Rockwell(Scenic Design), Tony Award-winner Gregg Barnes (Costume Design) and Tony Award-winner Kenneth Posner (Lighting Design), four-time Tony Award nominee Peter Hylenski (Sound Design), Josh Marquette (Hair Design), Jason Lee Courson (Projection Design), Tony Award-winner Larry Hochman (Orchestrations), Charlie Alterman (Musical Director), Kenny Seymour (Dance Music Arranger/Electronic Music Producer), with casting by Telsey + Company/Craig Burns, CSA.