CAROUSEL, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, IF/THEN and More Set for Media Theatre's 2017-18 Broadway Series Season

With a classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, two popular Disney titles, a classic play, and a regional premiere of a contemporary Broadway hit, The Media Theatre's 2017-18 season has something for everyone. Subscriptions are now on sale. The season was announced by Jesse Cline, Artistic Director.

"Carousel" opens the season September 20 through October 22. The second musical by the legendary team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, it's the romance of Billy Bigelow and Julie Jordan which takes center stage. Based on the play "Liliom", the show was named Best Musical of The Century in 1999 by Time Magazine. The score features the beloved classic "You'll Never Walk Alone" as well as "If I Loved You". With darker themes than most Rodgers and Hammerstein shows, it ran for 890 performances during its original Broadway run in 1945, seeing its popularity growing with each decade.

November 15 to January 14 brings "Disney's Beauty and The Beast" to the Media stage. Professional actors will bring the tale of Belle and the Beast to life, along with Lumiere and the rest of the lively characters. With the popular score, which includes"Be Our Guest" and the lovely Oscar winning title song, "Disney's Beauty and The Beast" is perfect for the holiday season.

The theatre's annual play is "Our Town" January 31 to February 25. Thornton Wilder's classic visits Grover's Corners between 1901 and 1913, highlighting citizen's everyday lives. The play is set in the surroundings of the theatre, with the lead role of The Stage Manager dealing with the audience, while actors use a minimal set to present the narrative. "Our Town" won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

March 14 to April 1 brings the regional professional premiere of "IF/ THEN". Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt's musical focuses on a woman who moves back to New York City for a fresh start. Upon the release of the cast recording in 2014, the album debuted at number 19 on the Billboard chart. The show ran for 401 performances on Broadway. The Washington Post stated that "IF/ THEN is an enjoyable, beautifully sung, and at times deeply touching experience."

Disney is back on stage April 18 to June 10 with the immensely popular two-time Tony winning musical "Newsies". It's based on the film inspired by the real-life Newsboys strike of 1899 in NYC. Harvey Fierstein's book combines with the music and lyrics of Alan Menken and Jack Feldman to create a high energy two hour show made famous for its spectacular choreography and youthful cast.

All Broadway Series shows at The Media Theatre are produced by Media Music Theatre Company, the professional music theatre organization which has propelled the theatre to 72 Broadway World Awards, over 20 "Best Of" honors from regional media outlets, and recognition from the Pennsylvania and US Senate.

Subscriptions are now available at 610-891-0100, with VIP Opening Night and Flex Packages as well as Traditional Subscriptions. Group rates are also available for parties of 15 or more people. Groups are encouraged to reserve for the two Disney titles as soon as possible in order to ensure seating. Subscribers get first option at premium seats as well as other benefits.

Visit www.mediatheatre.org for more information.

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