MEAN GIRLS, THE BAND'S VISIT, And More Announced For 2019/20 Broadway Philadelphia Season At Kimmel Center

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization announced today the 2019/20 Broadway Philadelphia season, featuring a brilliant lineup of Tony Award -winning productions and the latest Broadway blockbusters.

The upcoming season boasts 14 illustrious productions with a combined 44 Tony Awards and 28 Drama Desk Awards. This season also introduces 9 sensational national touring shows making their Philadelphia premieres. Broadway Philadelphia subscribers will receive priority access to the best seats for the 2019/20 season, as well as an array of delightful subscriber perks and exclusive event invitations throughout the year. Season ticket packages for the 2019/20 season are now on sale.

The 2019/20 season will bring the best of touring Broadway to the heart of the City of Brotherly Love, featuring the latest Tony Award-winning productions, as well as returning beloved Broadway classics. A monumental slate of 9 productions will be making their Philadelphia premieres, including: Come From Away; Mean Girls; The Spongebob Musical; The Band's Visit; Hello, Dolly!; Dear Evan Hansen; Escape to Margaritaville; Cirque Dreams: Holidaze; and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. Broadway Philadelphia is presented collaboratively by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and The Shubert Organization, with productions at the Academy of Music, Forrest Theatre, and the Merriam Theater.

We are thrilled to announce this exceptional lineup which brings the best of touring Broadway to our Cultural Campus for the 2019/20 Season, said Anne Ewers, President & CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Offering one of the most diverse seasons we've ever showcased, these productions will appeal to new and lifelong theater fans alike - harmoniously mixing classic Broadway with the latest hit shows to give Philadelphians the culturally rich entertainment they crave year-round!

Each year, the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts' partnership with The Shubert Organization offers the City of Philadelphia a theater experience like no other with our Broadway Philadelphia offerings, said Philip J. Smith, Chairman of The Shubert Organization, Inc. We are pleased to continue our partnership this upcoming season with critically-acclaimed productions and exciting premieres.

Our 2017/18 Hamilton announcement brought a mammoth 228% jump in new audiences! said Crystal Brewe, Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing and Communications. We continue to engage these new audiences with a fantastic subscriber experience, perks, and the sense of community we have built this is good for arts in Philadelphia and great for the Broadway ecosystem.

Broadway Philadelphia subscription packages are on sale now.

Subscribers save single ticket prices and are offered a variety of exclusive privileges, including the first opportunity to select the best seats in the house and the option to renew their seats each year. Subscribers also enjoy a host of benefits, including waiving of exchange fees, priority ticket access, payment plan options, exclusive experiences, and more.

7-show packages are available now and include Tuesday through Sunday performances of Come From Away; Mean Girls; The Spongebob Musical; The Band's Visit; Hello, Dolly!; Dear Evan Hansen; and Escape to Margaritaville. Mid-week matinee performances are NEW for the 2019-20 season.

Subscription packages range from $249.00 to $911.00 and are available online at kimmelcenter.org/broadway1920 or by calling 215-893-1955. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more beginning May 13 and can be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883 or online at kimmelcenter.org/groupsales. Single tickets for individual productions will go on sale at a later date.

2019/20 BROADWAY PHILADELPHIA SHOW OVERVIEWS

RENT 20th Anniversary Tour

Returning following sold-out run in March 2019
October 18-October 20, 2019 Merriam Theater
In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson's RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award -winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini's La Boh me, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters love.

COME FROM AWAY
October 22-November 3, 2019 Academy of Music
Broadway's Come From Away is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics' Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don't miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by this year's Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, It takes you to a place you never want to leave! On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

MEAN GIRLS
November 19-December 1, 2019 Academy of Music
Direct from Broadway, MEAN GIRLS is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey ( 30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond ( Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt ), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this na ve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina's reign, she learns the hard way that you can't cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. New York Magazine cheers, MEAN GIRLS delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery. USA Today says, We'll let you in on a little secret, because we're such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL
December 3-December 15, 2019 The Forrest Theatre
A legendary roster of Grammy Award winners. A visionary director and a Tony Award -winning design team. One of the world's most beloved characters. Turn them loose on stage and what do you get? The musical The New York Times declares, BRILLIANT! Broadway's best creative minds reimagine and bring to life the beloved Nickelodeon series with humor, heart and pure theatricality in a party for the eyes and ears (Daily Beast). Explore the depths of theatrical innovation in The Spongebob Musical, 2018 Best Musical winner of the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards, where the power of optimism really can save the world.

CIRQUE DREAMS: HOLIDAZE
December 26-December 29, 2019 Merriam Theater
Cirque Dreams Holidaze lights up the 2019 holiday season with its popular and electrifying stage spectacular The New York Daily News proclaims a delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load and so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil. Cirque Dream Holidaze features the most unique cast of incomparable cirque artists and theatrical talent that leaves audiences spellbound. This critically-acclaimed extravaganza is a BROADWAY MUSICAL AND NEW CIRQUE ADVENTURE WRAPPED INTO THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY GIFT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY. Over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites celebrate Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and New Year's in a 2-hour breathtaking spectacle. Audiences of all ages will marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity defying feats and extravagant theatrical production numbers. Experience this unique multi-million-dollar live stage show that Dazzled at the Kennedy Center, Sparkled at the Grand Ole Opry House and Broadway World calls The Perfect Holiday Gift...a show that everyone will enjoy."

THE BAND'S VISIT
January 7-January 19, 2020 Academy of Music
The Band's Visit is the winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, making it one of the most Tony-winning musicals in history. And now it's also a Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Theater Album. In this joyously offbeat story, set in a town that's way off the beaten path, a band of musicians arrive lost, out of the blue. Under the spell of the desert sky, and with beautiful music perfuming the air, the band brings the town to life in unexpected and tantalizing ways. Even the briefest visit can stay with you forever. With a Tony-and Grammy-winning score that seduces your soul and sweeps you off your feet, and featuring thrillingly talented onstage musicians, The Band's Visit rejoices in the way music makes us laugh, makes us cry, and ultimately, brings us together.

RIVERDANCE
January 21-January 26, 2020 Merriam Theater
Riverdance, as you've never seen or heard it before! A powerful and stirring re-invention of this beloved favourite, celebrated the world-over for its Grammy award-winning score and the excitement, energy and dynamism of its Irish and International Dance. Twenty-five years on, renowned composer Bill Whelan brings this mesmerizing soundtrack back to life, completely revitalized for the first time since those original orchestral recordings. Producer Moya Doherty and Director John McColgan have produced an amazing new 25th Anniversary production with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, staging and costume design, and an all-new finale number which will blow audiences away. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary power and grace of music and dance beloved by fans of all ages. Fall in love with the magic of Riverdance all over again.

HELLO, DOLLY!
February 18-March 1, 2020 Academy of Music
Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, Hello, Dolly! is the universally acclaimed smash that NPR calls the best show of the year! Winner of four Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, director Jerry Zaks' gorgeous new production (Vogue) is making people crazy happy (The Washington Post) and a musical comedy dream! (Rolling Stone).

LES MISERABLES
March 17-March 29, 2020 Academy of Music
Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Sch nberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Mis rables, direct from its acclaimed Broadway return. Featuring the beloved songs I Dreamed A Dream, On My Own, Stars," Bring Him Home, One Day More, and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. Les Miz is born again! (NY1).

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
April 7-April 12, 2020 Academy of Music
An album that inspired a REVOLUTION. A REVELATION that changed the world. A REINVENTION for this millennium. Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London's Regents Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and award winning choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring. With music and lyrics by Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony winners Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes I Don't Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar.

DEAR EVAN HANSEN
April 7-May 3, 2020 The Forrest Theatre
WINNER OF SIX 2017 TONY AWARDS INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL
AND THE 2018 GRAMMY AWARD FOR BEST MUSICAL THEATER ALBUM
A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he's always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. Dear Evan Hansen has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere, including The Washington Post who says Dear Evan Hansen is one of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history. The New York Times calls it a gut-punching, breathtaking knockout of a musical. And NBC Nightly News declares the musical an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond. Dear Evan Hansen features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy , Tony and Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal). The Grammy Award-winning Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen, produced by Atlantic Records, was released in February 2017, making an extraordinary debut on the Billboard 200 and entering the chart at #8 the highest charting debut position for an original cast album since 1961 and went on to win the 2018 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. A Deluxe Album of the Grammy-winning cast recording, with six bonus tracks including Waving Through a Window performed by pop star Katy Perry, was released digitally by Atlantic Records on November 2, 2018.

WAITRESS
May 12-May 17, 2020 Merriam Theater
Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie and Betrayed By My Eggs Pie. When a baking contest in a nearby county and a satisfying run-in with someone new show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness. Brought to life by a groundbreaking, all-female creative team, this Tony Award -nominated hit features original music and lyrics by 7-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles ( Love Song, Brave ), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and original direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland). WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven! says Entertainment Weekly, and is sweet, sassy and passionate, according to New York Magazine. Don't miss this uplifting and hilarious musical!

SUMMER: THE Donna Summer MUSICAL
June 2-June 7, 2020 Academy of Music
She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn't know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed. With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer's classic hits including Love to Love You Baby, Bad Girls, and Hot Stuff, this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE
June 16-June 28, 2020 Academy of Music
Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all and stay to find something they never expected. With a book by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia ( My Name is Earl, Raising Hope ) and Emmy Award nominee Mike O'Malley( Survivors Remorse, Shameless ) Escape to Margaritaville is the musical comedy featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including Fins, Volcano, Cheeseburger in Paradise and many more. USA Today calls it "A little slice of paradise!" and Entertainment Weekly raves, "It will knock your flip-flops off!" So don't let the party start without you.

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