An eager and enthusiastic crowd of 2,800+ filed into the Connor Palace this evening to be among the first in the country to hear the lineup of hit shows coming to Cleveland as part of Playhouse Square's 2016-2017 KeyBank Broadway Series. Tonight's event included performances from the Broadway smash hit FINDING NEVERLAND, and the 2015 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, FUN HOME, which announced it will be opening its national tour right here in Cleveland.
One of the many highlights of the evening came when title sponsor KeyBank announced it would be giving away a "trip for two to Paris" in honor of the final show of the season, the delightful Tony Award-Winning production AN AMERICAN IN PARIS. For complete details on KeyBank's exciting contest, visit playhousesquare.org/paris.
It was announced that this year's Series will also be comprised of four additional Tony Award-winning productions, including the enchanting INTO THE WOODS, with music and lyrics by the incomparable Stephen Sondheim, the beloved classic and 2015 Tony Award winner for Best Revival of a Musical, Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE KING AND I, the inspirational 2015 Tony Award winner for Best Play, CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, and the irresistible and hilarious hit musical SOMETHING ROTTEN! As always, Playhouse Square's loyal donors and season ticket holders were the first to learn of this incredible lineup at this exclusive launch event.
Leading the nation in season ticket holders (32,000) for the third consecutive year in a row, has allowed Playhouse Square to join a small and distinguished group of theaters nationwide who present touring Broadway productions for three or more weeks. This expansion opens an unprecedented selection of incredible seating locations - many of which have not been available for decades. With a minimum of 24 performances for each KeyBank Broadway Series show, Cleveland audiences will now have more opportunities than ever to see these seven sensational productions.
"The 2016-17 KeyBank Broadway Series will be historical" stated Executive Producer of Playhouse Square Gina Vernaci. Vernaci continued, "This year's Series includes beautifully staged, visually dazzling, and enchanting productions. With stories that melt our hearts and scores that feed our souls, the KeyBank Broadway Series is sure to delight Cleveland audiences. We are grateful to our loyal season ticket holders and donors whose dedication has allowed us to expand our Series. Each production will run for three weeks, adding a total of 56 performances to the regular season."
Season tickets to the 2016-2017 KeyBank Broadway Series at Playhouse Square are now available by calling 216-640-8800 or online at playhousesquare.org/broadway. Season ticket packages range from $70-$630 each with monthly payment plans available. The only way to guarantee your seats to this incredible Series is to become a season ticket holder now.
The 2016-2017 KeyBank Broadway Series:
FUN HOME
October 2 - 22, 2016
Every once in a while a Broadway musical comes along that surprises, moves and excites audiences in ways only a truly landmark musical can. The "groundbreaking," "uplifting" and "exquisite" new musical FUN HOME was the event of the Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike, winning five 2015 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL and making history along the way. Based on Alison Bechdel's best-selling graphic memoir, FUN HOME introduces us to Alison at three different ages as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood. A refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes, "FUN HOME is extraordinary, a rare beauty that pumps fresh air into Broadway." (New York Times)
FINDING NEVERLAND
November 1 - 20, 2016
findingneverlandthemusical.com
FINDING NEVERLAND is Broadway's biggest new hit and the winner of Broadway.com's Audience Choice Award for BEST MUSICAL! This breathtaking smash "captures the kid-at-heart" (Time Magazine). 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).
INTO THE WOODS
January 10 - 29, 2017
New York's surprise hit of last season was the acclaimed Fiasco Theatre production of INTO THE WOODS. Critical raves all around for this production of the beloved Tony Award winning musical classic by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim. From the New York Times to Variety, this show has been called "truly enchanting," "gorgeous," "genius" and "bewitching." Fiasco Theater's witty and wild reinvention was extended twice at the Roundabout's Laura Pels Theatre, and is now coming to you from the Dodgers, current producers of JERSEY BOYS and MATILDA THE MUSICAL, and who also produced the original INTO THE WOODS on Broadway, and it's Tony-winning revival; and Networks, who brought you THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, WAR HORSE and SOUTH PACIFIC.
Including dazzling songs like "Children Will Listen" and "No One Is Alone," this thrillingly clever new version made Ben Brantley of The New York Times fall "head over heels." Mind the wolf, heed the witch and honor the giant in the sky at this extraordinary musical about the power of wishes and what really happens after they come true.
Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE KING AND I
February 7 - 26, 2017
Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE KING AND I directed by Tony Award® Winner Bartlett Sher won four 2015 Tony Awards® including Best Revival of a Musical.
Bartlett Sher is reunited with the award-winning creative team from South Pacific andThe Light in the Piazza. THE KING AND I features sets by Michael Yeargan; costumes by Catherine Zuber; lighting by Donald Holder, sound by Scott Lehrer and choreography by Christopher Gattelli based on the original choreography by Jerome Robbins.
One of Rodgers & Hammerstein's finest works, THE KING AND I boasts a score which features such beloved classics as "Getting To Know You," "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Hello Young Lovers," "Shall We Dance" and "Something Wonderful." Set in 1860's Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
March 21 - April 9, 2017
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, winner of five 2015 Tony Awards including BEST PLAY, is coming to Cleveland as part of the 2016-17 KeyBank Broadway Series!
This adaptation is the Tony Award-winning new play by Simon Stephens, adapted from Mark Haddon's best-selling novel and directed by Tony winner Marianne Elliott.
Fifteen-year-old Christopher has an extraordinary brain; he is exceptionally intelligent but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbor's dog, he sets out to identify the true culprit, which leads to an earth-shattering discovery and a journey that will change his life forever.
SOMETHING ROTTEN!
April 25 - May 14, 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).
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
June 20 - July 9, 2017
An American in Paris in the new Tony Award-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into the perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2014-2015 season.
Videos