Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival Sets 2016 Lineup - OKLAHOMA!, CRAZY FOR YOU & More

The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival's landmark 2016 was announced last week by Producing Artistic Director, Brett Smock who stated, "Halfway through our season, this is a time for us to reflect on our successful season thus far and also a time for us to look ahead. From a gripping "West Side Story" to an emotional journey through "The Light in the Piazza" to the world premiere of the new North American production of "Saturday Night Fever," we've had surprising and fulfilling artistic experiences all summer long. We have enjoyed success at the box office and are anticipating a strong remainder of our season. We have crafted an ambitious but highly appealing season with - literally -- something for everyone! Next year represents our largest and most ambitious season to date."

Subscriptions are on sale now with special discounting through September 30 and additional sales will roll out over the course of the year.

The 2016 season opens with a brand new production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Oklahoma!"

In the second slot, Smock will direct Sir Tim Rice's latest blockbuster, "From Here to Eternity." Based on the 1953 film, this new musical comes direct from London and makes its US premiere next June right here in Auburn. Smock stated, "We are thrilled and honored to have Tim and his team in residence with us for the developmental process and look forward to introducing this compelling new musical adaptation to American audiences."

Third in line is Gershwin's "Crazy For You." This toe-tapping song and dance spectacular blends a hysterically funny libretto with a cherished songbook and show stopping choreography.

The fourth show is "Treasure Island," a new musical for a whole new generation. In 2008, Wall Street told us a story of greed, corruption and betrayal. In 1883, Robert Louis Stevenson told us the same story. "Treasure Island" made its world premiere at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock and next year, makes its regional premiere in Auburn. "Treasure Island" offers a compelling look at a young man's journey to maturity and the strength of the human spirit in the face of extreme conditions.

In addition to the seven shows at the Playhouse, next year, the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival will embark on a regional expansion project. Through their educational partnership with Nazareth College, the Festival will program the Callahan Theatre at Nazareth College's Arts Center for the month of July. Next year, the Festival will produce the regional premiere of "Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice", with music, lyrics and book by Rochester natives, Lindsay Warren Baker and Amanda Jacobs. In this romantic musical, based on the classic novel, Jane Austen herself explores the choices she has made in her life and her writing as she creates the characters and story we know and love. In 2011, "Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice" was produced by The New York Musical Theatre Festival and most recently, premiered at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in Los Angeles.

Next up, the rock 'n roll megahit, "Million Dollar Quartet" will slide into town for a regional premiere engagement.

Following that, the Festival will be one on the first theatres in the US to premiere "Tenderly, the New Rosemary Clooney musical." By special arrangement with Theatrical Rights Worldwide, this new musical autobiography captures the journey, heart and sound of one of America's musical legends.

Finally, to wrap it all up, the Festival will produce Lieber and Stoller's sizzling "Smokey Joe's Café," which will close out the 2016 season in the month of December. Full of well-known hits including "Hound Dog," "Jailhouse Rock," "Stand By Me," and many more, this show will blow the roof off and bring the house down.

The new works series, "The PiTCH," now in its fourth year under the Festival umbrella, will invite audiences to check out still-developing musicals written by a new team each week between June 16 and July 30th. The PiTCH is devoted to the development of new musicals and offers teams housing, transportation, a dedicated theatre, marketing, staff and an enthusiastic and engaged audience for feedback and dialogue. To date, the Festival has given residence to forty six emerging new musicals.

Tickets for Festival performances range from $45-55 per ticket, with discounts available for senior citizens and students with valid ID. Tickets may be purchased at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse box office located at 6877 East Lake Road, Auburn, NY. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 1-800-457-8897, or online at FingerLakesMTF.com.

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