SHN-SF Presents 2007-08 Best of Broadway Season

SHN is pleased to announce the 2007-2008 BEST OF BROADWAY subscription season brought to you by Citibank, presented at San Francisco's Orpheum, Curran and Golden Gate Theatres.   With this new season, SHN will deliver world-class theater that dazzles and transforms audiences through music, drama and spectacle.

Renewal information for current subscribers is in the mail. Subscriptions range in price from $140-$516. New subscriptions are available now online or by calling 415-551-2050 or toll free at 877-797-7827.  For complete ticket and show information visit www.shnsf.com.

SHN is currently in its 37th continuous theatrical season:

Oprah Winfrey Presents
THE COLOR PURPLE
The Musical About Love
Fall 2007
Based on the original Pulitzer Prize winning book by Alice Walker
Adapted for stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Marsha Norman
Music and Lyrics by Grammy Award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray
Directed by Gary Griffin

From the classic Pultizer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the moving film by Steven Speilberg comes a soul-stirring new musical and landmark Broadway event. "The Color Purple, presented by Oprah Winfrey, is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discovers her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel, and blues, The Color Purple is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love, and a celebration of life," state press notes.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
A Theatrical Event Like No Other
Spring 2008
Directed by Tim Supple

"This incredible culturally diverse spectacle combines the astonishing skills of actors, dancers, martial arts experts, musicians and street acrobats from across India and Sri Lanka. Two years in the making, A Midsummer Night's Dream caused a sensation in India where it played Delhi, Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras) and Kolkata (Calcutta). A sell-out run at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon followed with a triumphant 2007 run at London's Roundhouse. And now San Francisco will host the North American premiere of this breathtaking production," state press notes.

THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
The Hit Musical Within A Comedy
Summer 2008
Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar
Music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison
Directed by Casey Nicholaw

"The recipient of thirteen major awards, The Drowsy Chaperone received more Tony Awards than any other musical of the 2006 season. This zany madcap romp tells the story of a modern day musical theater addict known simply as 'Man in Chair.'  To chase his blues away he drops the needle on his favorite LP – the 1928 musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone. From the crackle of his hi-fi, the musical magically bursts to life on-stage telling the tale of a pampered Broadway starlet who wants to give up show business to get married, her producer who sets out to sabotage the nuptials, her chaperone, the debonair groom, the dizzy chorine, the Latin lover and a pair of gangsters who double as pastry chefs.   This effervescent show-within-a-show is a loving tribute to Broadway musicals and speaks to anyone who has ever been transported by the theater," state press notes.

THE WIZ
A Musical For All Ages
Summer 2008
Based on "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum
Book by William F. Brown
Music and Lyrics by Charlie Smalls
Directed by Des McAnuff

"'Ease on Down the Road' with Dorothy and her beloved companions!   Based on 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' by L. Frank Baum, director Des McAnuff's The Wiz is a major re-envisioning for the 21st century. When The Wizard of Oz met the urban beat of the 1970s, history was made to the tune of seven Tony Awards. Now the young Dorothy travels to the strange and spectacular Land of Oz once again as McAnuff (Director of the Jersey Boys) teams up with original WIZ orchestrator Harold Wheeler to create a re-imagined, multi-cultural and musical phenomenon for a new century.   New orchestrations and an environmental theatrical approach combine to make a timeless story resonate for a contemporary audience," state press notes.

TBA: A fifth show in the season will be announced soon!

SHN is the pre-eminent theatrical entertainment company in San Francisco and owns and operates the Curran, Orpheum and Golden Gate Theatres; San Francisco's premier theatrical venues. SHN's Best of Broadway theater series provides Bay Area audiences with pre-Broadway world premieres, original Broadway cast productions, award-winners and current hits fresh from Broadway. For information on all SHN shows, please visit www.shnsf.com.