Baltimore's Hippodrome Broadway Series Announces 2016/17 Lineup - CINDERELLA, BEAUTIFUL and More!

Ron Legler, President of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home of the Hippodrome Theatre, was pleased to announce the CareFirst® BlueCross BlueShield Hippodrome Broadway Series 16/17 season lineup today.

"The 16/17 season promises to delight local audiences with gorgeous music, side-splitting laughs, and captivating visuals that only live theatre can deliver," said Legler. "The Hippodrome Theatre is a landmark for not only the city of Baltimore, but for the state of Maryland as its only home for Broadway. We continue to be committed to bringing the best touring shows direct from New York and beyond and the upcoming season is no exception."

The CareFirst® BlueCross BlueShield Hippodrome Broadway Series 7-Show Subscription Package will include:

Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella November 1-6, 2016

Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA is the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The King and I and South Pacific that's delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love-the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more-plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/It's Possible" and "Ten Minutes Ago," in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who's ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes.

A Christmas Story, The Musical December 6-11, 2016

Based on the classic 1983 movie, A Christmas Story, The Musical, nominated for three 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical, comes to hilarious life on stage! Set in 1940s Indiana, a young and bespectacled Ralphie Parker schemes his way toward the holiday gift of his dreams, an official Red Ryder® Carbine-Action 200-Shot Range Model Air Rifle. An infamous leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a maniacal department store Santa, and a triple-dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the distractions that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas wish. The Associated Press calls A Christmas Story, The Musical "a joyous Christmas miracle," while The New York Times writes "I was dazzled. You'd have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face."

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder December 27, 2016 - January 1, 2017

Getting away with murder can be so much fun...and there's no better proof than the knock-'em-dead hit show that's earned unanimous raves and won the 2014 Tony Award® for Best Musical - A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder!

Coming direct from New York, where a most gentlemanly NPR critic said he'd "never laughed so hard at a Broadway musical," Gentleman's Guide tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by - you guessed it - eliminating the eight pesky relatives (all played by one fearless man) who stand in his way. All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress (she's after more than just love), his fiancée (she's his cousin but who's keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance... and be done in time for tea.

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical January 24-29, 2017

Beautiful - The Carole King Musical tells the inspiring true story of King's remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. Featuring a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including "I Feel The Earth Move," "One Fine Day," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," " You've got A Friend" and the title song, Beautiful has a book by Tony Award®-nominee and Academy Award®-nominated writer Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni, choreography by Josh Prince, and two 2014 Tony Awards® and a 2015 Grammy® Award.

The Bodyguard February 28 - March 5, 2017

The award-winning musical based on the smash hit 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 "I Will Always Love You."

Based on Lawrence Kasdan's Oscar®-nominated Warner Bros. film, which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, and adapted by Academy Award®-winner (Birdman) Alexander Dinelaris, 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.

Something Rotten! April 18-23, 2017

Something Rotten! is "Broadway's big, fat hit!" (New York Post) Set in 1595, this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world's very first MUSICAL! With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten! is "The Producers = The Book of Mormon x The Drowsy Chaperone. Squared!" (New York Magazine)

Finding Neverland June 27 - July 2, 2017

Finding Neverland is Broadway's biggest new hit and the winner of Broadway.com's Audience Choice Award for Best Musical! This breathtaking musical "captures the kid-at-heart" (TIME). Vogue cheers, "it's a must-see you'll remember for years to come!"

Directed by visionary Tony® winner Diane Paulus, Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind one of the world's most beloved characters, Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys' enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie's classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. Finding Neverland is "far and away the best musical of the year!" (NPR)

The Hippodrome is also pleased to host the return of two audience favorites, Jersey Boys and Rent, in the upcoming season as Season Options that subscribers can add-on to their seven show package.

Jersey Boys ONE WEEK ONLY September 27 - October 2, 2016

Jersey Boys is the Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop musical history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide- all before they were 30! Jersey Boys features their hit songs "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," "Oh What a Night" and "Can't Take My Eyes Off You."

Rent 5 PERFORMANCES ONLY March 31 - April 2, 2017

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway...and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson's Rent continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th Anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini's La Bohème, Rent follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters - love.

"Subscribing is the absolute best way to guarantee your seat for this incredible lineup of shows," said Legler, "and subscribers often save a significant amount when compared to day-of-show pricing." There are many advantages to being a season subscriber including consistent seat locations for the shows in the subscription package, access to purchase additional tickets to the Broadway shows before the general public, ticket exchange privileges, discounts to area restaurants, and more. The Hippodrome is also proud to offer priority access to subscribers for other events such as concerts, comedy, dance, and other live entertainment events booked throughout the year.

Subscription packages for the CareFirst® BlueCross BlueShield Hippodrome Broadway Series 16/17 season will go on sale on Sunday, January 24 at 10:00 am EST with prices starting at $180 for all seven shows. Subscriber prices will vary depending on the show time, day of the week and seating location.

For ease and convenience, the Hippodrome Broadway Series will first send renewal information via email and encourages patrons to subscribe online for the new programming lineup. This electronic communication will be followed up with an invoice sent via posted mail. Current subscribers who wish to guarantee their same seats must renew by February 19. The Hippodrome Broadway Series is also offering an interest-free four installment payment plan for renewing subscribers wishing to spread out their payments.

New subscriptions may be ordered online at BaltimoreHippodrome.com and via phone by calling 800-343-3103 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST.

BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of the Key Brand Entertainment family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, under the supervision of John Gore (Owner & CEO). Current and past productions include On Your Feet, View from the Bridge, Beautiful, Finding Neverland, Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray, and The Producers. BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com; Broadway.com

The CareFirst® BlueCross BlueShield Hippodrome Broadway Series is presented in partnership with THE HIPPODROME FOUNDATION. The Hippodrome Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3, non profit organization established in Baltimore, Maryland in 1976. Formerly known as the Baltimore Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA), the foundation was created to present live theater at the Morris A. Mechanic Theater. Over the years, HFI has evolved into its present incarnation as the largest presenter of Broadway in Baltimore (and Maryland) working in partnership with Key Brand Entertainment to bring in the very best possible shows. Hippodrome Foundation, Inc. is housed in offices in the spectacular France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, which is made up of more than 160,000 square feet of performance venues, production support spaces, public spaces, rehearsal halls, studios, conference rooms, and administration support spaces. HFI is committed to provide outreach and education programs for the community. The Hippodrome is a state building and HFI is committed to share this asset with the people of Maryland. All HFI programs are free and the foundation has served well over 20,000 people since February 2004 when the theater reopened.

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