THE SECRET GARDEN, BRIGHT STAR and More Slated for TUTS' 2017-18 Season

Building upon the artistic acclaim of the of 2016-17 Season and reaffirming the commitment to bring "more theatre to more people", Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) announced today a dynamic 2017-18 Season; celebrating the prismatic and perennial impact of musical theatre.

Newly appointed Executive Director, Hillary Hart says, "We are thrilled to present a unique and eclectic mix of programming in the coming Season, that pays tribute to the foundation of Musical Theatre with classic material while attracting emerging audiences with less conventional titles."

Artistic Advisor, Sheldon Epps says, "I am very pleased that the current 2016-17 Season has been praised for a renewed level of theatrical excellence and artistry. The programming for next season will allow TUTS to continue in this direction with equally strong rewards for our audiences. The 2017-18 Season is an eclectic and hopefully satisfying mix which once again highlights admirable variety and valuable diversity. The lineup rightfully encompasses the best of reconsidered classics and the thrill of recently created musicals that surely will have enduring life."

Unique to this year, full six-show Season Subscriptions are ONLY available through Friday, March 31, 2017. This new way of subscribing means that all full 2017-18 Season Subscriptions (including the five shows announced today and the "Special Engagement" to be announced on Friday, February 17, 2017) must be purchased before Friday, March 31, 2017.

Five Show Seasons Subscriptions and Pick Four packages are also available but do NOT include the "Special Engagement". The ONLY way to access tickets for the "Special Engagement" will be to purchase a full, six-show Season Subscription.

Season Subscriptions sold after March 31st will NOT include the "Special Engagement". Beginning on Saturday, April 1st, 2017 Five Show Season Subscriptions and Pick Four packages will be available.

Single tickets will be made available to the public at a later date to be announced.

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THE 2017-18 SEASON:

THE SECRET GARDEN - October 10 - 22, 2017
Music by Lucy Simon
Book & Lyrics by Marsha Norman
Based on the Novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Directed by David Armstrong

Theatre Under The Stars presents The 5th Avenue Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre Company production of THE SECRET GARDEN, a story of great love and great loss, great sadness and great joy, and a perfect story for the whole family.

Based on the 1911 novel of the same name by Frances Hodgson Burnett, THE SECRET GARDEN tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young English girl born and raised in the British Raj. She loses both of her parents when she is 10 years old during a cholera outbreak and she is sent off to England to live with an uncle and a cousin whom she's never met. The musical's script and lyrics are by Marsha Norman, with music by Lucy Simon. It premiered on Broadway in 1991 and ran for 709 performances. This dark and mysterious gothic thriller brings to exuberant life a saga of deception, grief, jealousy, love and ultimately, rebirth.

TUTS has the honor of participating in this pre-Broadway co-production of the Tony Award winning musical. The collaboration may include other regional theatres prior to an intended Broadway transfer. This production, which just broke box office records in Washington D.C., will include revisions to the book and score made by 5th Ave. Theatre's Artistic Director, David Armstrong and the original creative team.

A hauntingly beautiful musical, THE SECRET GARDEN has been called "smart and sensitive" and "blessedly grownup" with "a yearning magical pulse" by the Washington Post. The fantastical tale features stunning sets and costumes, a gorgeous score and rich, lush storytelling.

"Secret Garden, The" is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINTER KNIGHT - December 6 - 24, 2017
Music & Lyrics by Various Artists
Book by Kris Lythgoe
Directed by Linda Goodrich
Choreography by Spencer Liff

The familiar story of Sleeping Beauty gets mixed up with contemporary pop culture creating a holiday treat. SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINTER KNIGHT is a modern twist on the classic fairy tale, set to a contemporary score featuring the music of Aloe Blacc, Blondie, Bruno Mars, Jessie J, John Legend, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, LMFAO, Pharrell Williams and Survivor. Director Linda Goodrich is returning to TUTS after directing the production of MARY POPPINS here in 2016.

Audiences can expect many different interactive elements from this one-of-a-kind production including boo'ing the evil villain, cheering for the heroes and partying down to the pop songs everyone knows and loves! Families will be singing along and dancing in the aisles with this fun and uplifting soundtrack of hits.

Presented in collaboration with Lythgoe Family Panto, SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINTER KNIGHT is visually beautiful, great fun, irreverent and will be tailored to incorporate local celebrities, Houston landmarks and Brand Integration.

Beyond the performance itself, TUTS promises a truly immersive holiday destination for the whole family. In addition to theatre tickets a wide variety of enhanced experiences will be offered ranging from complimentary to VIP add-on packages.

SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINTER KNIGHT is based on the European fairy tale where a Princess named Aurora has a curse put on her by an evil fairy Carabosse. By her 18th birthday, Aurora will prick her finger on a spindle and fall asleep for 100 years. The Royal Family live under protection from Silly Billy and Nanny Tickle, but Aurora does prick her finger and falls asleep for 100 years. A handsome Prince saves the day by defeating the wicked fairy and giving Aurora a true love kiss. Broadway and TV stars perform in this interactive musical fairy tale with comedy, magic and pop music sure to delight children of all ages!

MEMPHIS - February 20 - March 4, 2018
Music & Lyrics by David Bryan
Lyrics & Book by Joe DiPietro
Based on a Concept by George W. George

WINNER of FOUR 2010 TONY AWARDS including BEST MUSICAL!

From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes the Tony Award winning musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love.

Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves - filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock 'n' roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical, MEMPHIS features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE and ALL SHOOK UP) and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan.

MEMPHIS was highly celebrated during its successful Broadway run, on National Tour, and helped pioneer the industry as one of the first shows available for streaming on BroadwayHD.com. While highly entertaining and evocative (with its R&B based score, evoking popular songs from the 50's and 60's), it also has a strong political message that comes from its era, but certainly speaks strongly to contemporary audiences in resonant and relevant ways, which give it perhaps an even greater appeal than when originally produced.

"MEMPHIS" is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036 (886)378-9758 www.theatricalrights.com.

BRIGHT STAR - March 13 - 25, 2018
Music, Book, and Story by Steve Martin
Music, Lyrics, and Story by Edie Brickell
Directed on Broadway by Walter Bobbie

2016 OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD WINNING & 2016 TONY AWARD NOMINATED BEST MUSICAL

From Grammy winners and Tony nominees Steve Martin and Edie Brickell comes the new Broadway musical, BRIGHT STAR. With direction by Tony Award winner Walter Bobbie and choreography by Josh Rhodes, BRIGHT STAR won the 2016 Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical and Best Score and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Music. It also received five 2016 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, Best Lead Actress in a Musical, and Best Orchestrations.

Inspired by a real event, BRIGHT STAR tells a sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and '40s. When literary editor Alice Murphy meets a young soldier just home from World War II, he awakens her longing for the child she once lost. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past - and what she finds has the power to transform both of their lives An uplifting theatrical journey that holds you tight in its grasp,BRIGHT STAR is as refreshingly genuine as it is daringly hopeful.

GUYS + DOLLS - June 12 - 24, 2018
Music & Lyrics by Frank Loesser
Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows
Directed by Nick DeGruccio

After recently igniting Houston with IN THE HEIGHTS, director Nick DeGruccio returns to TUTS with a dynamic and modern reimagining of the beloved classic, GUYS + DOLLS!

Travel back to a time when gangsters and gamblers ruled the underworld of New York City. This classic musical with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, based on some of the short stories by Damon Runyon premiered on Broadway in 1950, and the following year won five Tony Awards in every category in which it was nominated, including Best Musical. The show has had several Broadway and London revivals, as well as a 1955 film adaptation starring Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra and Vivian Blaine.

Always entertaining, GUYS + DOLLS will keep you laughing with its cast of colorful characters.

"Guys and Dolls" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com.

The final show in the 2017-18 Season line-up is a Special Engagement that will be announced mid-February.

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Stay connected, see behind-the-scenes, and get the latest news by following TUTS at facebook.com/theatreunderthestars, twitter.com/theatreunderthestars and Instagram @tutshouston.

For additional information and to purchase 2017-18 Season Subscriptions, visit www.TUTS.com or contact the Theatre Under The Stars Box Office by phone 713-558-TUTS (8887) or email boxoffice@tuts.com.

Theatre Under The Stars invites you to become a member of our Patron Clubs to help enhance your theatre experience! In addition to maintaining your Premium Seating each season, our club members receive a variety of benefits and unforgettable experiences at each level. Plus, your support as a member helps further the TUTS mission to positively impact the community beyond the stage. For more information about club membership, contact Kelly Nicholls at 713.558.2651 or kelly@tuts.com.

Theatre Under The Stars is commitment to providing free, accessible theatre to those who might not otherwise have the capacity to attend, and is making the pledge to donate 25,000 theatre tickets to deserving groups within the Houston community. We partner with: www.VetTix.com to provide thousands of complimentary tickets to active service and veterans. To find out how you can get involved, contact Evan Camp by email: evan@tuts.com.

In addition to our current Student and Senior Rush policy, we are thrilled to announce TUTS TODAY, a new Digital Lottery for the 2017-18 Season. Once launched, the program will allow users to view daily offers, enter to the rush lottery, and be notified when they've won. Further details, including a launch date, will be announced soon. Email tutstoday@tuts.com to be the first to learn new information, and for an invitation to participate in the beta test.

Visit www.TUTS.com/tickets/subscriptions for full details. The "Special Engagement" is separate from other five shows and subject to special restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions. No refunds, exchanges.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.tuts.com. Theatre Under The Stars is Houston's leading Musical Theatre since 1969, with a focus on education and community engagement. TUTS is a 501c3 Non Profit Organization that relies on the generous support of our donors to deliver first-rate theatre experiences.

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