In 1969 Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston founder and producing artistic director Robert Eagle dreamed a dream of bringing Broadway to Waltham's doorstep by creating a vibrant summer musical theater program that would feature major stars performing alongside local talent. Today, Reagle Music Theatre lives that dream and operates as one of the region's major award-winning year-round professional theater companies. In celebration, Reagle is pleased to announce three blockbuster shows for its 45th anniversary dream season.
A dazzling new production of the long-running Broadway revival CHICAGO directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Gerry McIntyre opens the season June 13-23. Traditional favorite FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, with Boston television personality and IRNE Award winner Scott Wahle reprising his critically acclaimed role as Tevye, runs July 11-21. Ending the summer season August 8-18 is a revolutionary new staging of what many have called the most popular musical of all time, LES MISERABLES, directed and choreographed by David Hugo. Additional casting and creative teams will be announced soon.
"We couldn't be more excited about our 45th anniversary season," says Robert Eagle, founder and producing artistic director of Reagle Music Theatre. "Our audiences have been clamoring for all three of these shows, and we've finally been able to get the rights and assemble the teams to make their dreams a reality. That we are able to offer all three of these spectacular musicals in one season is beyond thrilling. There's truly something for everyone."
CHICAGO, with a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. The winner of six Tony Awards including Best Revival, it is a smart, sassy, sharp-edge satire in which "merry murderesses" Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly vie for headlines and the services of the slickest defense attorney in Chicago, Billy Flynn, during the madcap Roaring Twenties. Knockout musical numbers include "All That Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle," "Nowadays," and "Class." McIntyre will be creating all new staging while choreographing in the style of the immortal Bob Fosse.
One of Reagle's all-time most successful shows, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, is back by popular demand. With a book by Joseph Stein and a score by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, this beloved and timeless musical is based on Sholem Aleichem's stories by special permission of Arnold Perl. In a Little Village of Anatevka, Tevye, a poor dairyman, tries to instill in his five daughters the traditions of his tight-knit Jewish community in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia. Rich in historical and ethnic detail, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has touched audiences around the world with its humor, warmth and honesty. The winner of Nine Tony Awards including Best Musical, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF boasts a score rich in memorable favorites including "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were a Rich Man," "Sunrise, Sunset," and "To Life."
Reagle audiences will no doubt be storming the barricades to see the 45th season finale, Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Herbert Kretzmer's revolutionary pop opera, LES MISERABLES. Based on the epic novel by Victor Hugo set in 19th century France, this international smash hit may very well be the most popular musical in the world. Recently made into a record-breaking movie musical nominated for eight Academy Awards, LES MISERABLES presents in a magnificent sung-through score the story of Jean Valjean's unjust imprisonment and life-long struggle for redemption despite being pursued relentlessly by the obsessed police inspector Javert. Songs include the unforgettable "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "One Day More," and "Bring Him Home."
Single tickets for adults are $57 (premium), $49, $42 and $35. Seniors 60 or older receive $3 off adult prices. Tickets for youths 5-18 are $25, any section. Patrons may see all three shows for under $100 by purchasing a full-season subscription at 25 percent off. Packages start as low as $78.
Tickets are available by phone at 781-891-5600, in person at the Box Office during regular business hours, or online anytime at www.reaglemusictheatre.org. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more may be purchased by calling 781-894-2330 or 781-891-5600.
Reagle Music Theatre is located at 617 Lexington Street, Waltham, Mass. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and performance days, 9 a.m. to curtain. For more information, visit Reagle Music Theatre on the web at www.reaglemusictheatre.org.
Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston is a unique award-winning professional regional theater company that features Broadway stars performing alongside local talent. Founded in 1969, Reagle Music Theatre is a non-profit arts organization based in Waltham, Mass. Operating year-round, Reagle produces major musicals each summer, spectacular seasonal revues, and celebrity concerts featuring legendary entertainers. The company also offers a variety of school-based educational programs and musical theater camps designed to give children in the West Suburban region the opportunity to expand their horizons through the performing arts. Stars who have appeared at Reagle include Brent Barrett, Patrick Cassidy, John Davidson, Mitzi Gaynor, Anita Gillette, Robert Goulet, Shirley Jones, Vicki Lawrence, Patti LuPone, Ann Margaret, Andrea McArdle, Lee Meriwether, The Mills Brothers, Sarah Pfisterer, Debbie Reynolds, Sally Struthers, Tommy Tune, Leslie Uggams, Joanne Worley, and Rachel York.
Performances at a Glance:
CHICAGO
Thursday, June 13, 2 pm
Friday, June 14, 7:30 pm (press performance)
Saturday, June 15, 2 pm
Sunday, June 16, 2 pm
Thursday, June 20, 7:30 pm
Friday, June 21, 7:30 pm
Saturday, June 22, 7:30 pm
Sunday, June 23, 2 pm
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
Thursday, July 11, 2 pm
Friday, July 12, 7:30 pm (press performance)
Saturday, July 13, 2 pm
Sunday, July 14, 2 pm
Thursday, July 18, 7:30 pm
Friday, July 19, 2 pm (SOLD OUT - Special Free Fun Friday performance sponsored by Highland Street Foundation)
Saturday, July 20, 2 and 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 21, 2 pm
LES MISERABLES
Thursday, August 8, 2 pm
Friday, August 9, 7:30 pm (press performance)
Saturday, August 10, 2 pm
Sunday, August 11, 2 pm
Thursday, August 15, 7:30 pm
Friday, August 16, 7:30 pm
Saturday, August 17, 7:30 pm
Sunday, August 18, 2 pm
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