Hale Theatre Announces Spectacular 2018-2019 Season!

The Hale Centre Theatre in Gilbert continues its tradition of "Powerhouse Musicals, Hilarious Comedies, and Family Friendly Shows" with its 16th season beginning in August.

The Scarlet Pimpernel opens the season August 24th through October 6th. The Scarlet Pimpernel is a swashbuckling action/adventure musical, based on Baroness Orczy's famous 20th-century novel about the French Revolution and the battle for Liberty, Equality and Fraternity. With an epic, sweeping book by Nan Knighton and a rousing and passionate score by Knighton and Frank Wildhorn, (Jekyll & Hyde, Civil War) The Scarlet Pimpernel is a glorious window into 18th century French and British history. The show was nominated for five Tony Awards on Broadway.

Next up is Dear Ruth, a charming and delightful comedy set in the 1940s. The story revolves around a love-struck soldier who returns home from the war on a two-day leave to meet and marry his pen pal sweetheart, Ruth. Imagine his surprise when he discovers that the girl he has been corresponding with is really Ruth's 16 year-old sister! What happens next is when all the fun begins! Written by Norman Krasna, Dear Ruth was a huge Broadway success with a run of 680 performances. The 1947 film starring Joan Caulfield, William Holden, and Edward Arnold was also a huge box office hit! Opening September 18th and playing through November 13th, Monday and Tuesday nights only, nostalgia and comedy collide to create a hilarious and extremely satisfying night of theatre.

Leapin' lizards, Annie is back and singing and dancing her way onto Hale's stage beginning October 11th though Nov. 24th! Based on the popular comic strip by Harold Gray, Annie has become a worldwide phenomenon and was the winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The beloved book and score by Tony Award winners, Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, features some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written. Songs such as "Tomorrow," "NYC," and "Easy Street" will have you singing, clapping and cheering Annie on, as she escapes the dour orphanage of Miss Hannagan and happily finds a new home with Daddy Warbucks, Grace Farrell, and of course, Annie's lovable mutt - Sandy. The perfect family musical, Hale's production will have you singing "Tomorrow" today!

A Christmas Carol. Opening November 29th and playing through December 24th, this year marks Hale's 16th annual production of this time-honored classic. True to Dickens' intent in every way, Hale's production is rich with traditional holiday carols, stunning costumes, amazing special effects, and outstanding performances. This holiday treat is guaranteed to lift your spirits and put you and your family in perfect holiday spirit! Come celebrate the joy of the season this year! Merry Christmas and as Tiny Tim says "God Bless us Everyone!"

Cash on Delivery. Opening December 31st and playing through February 9th is one of the most requested, and quite possibly, the funniest show Hale has ever produced, Michael Cooney's Cash on Delivery. The story revolves around the hysterical antics of Eric Swan, a man who discovers a loophole in the welfare system and is rewarded quite handsomely - much to the chagrin of his neighbors. However, as Eric's tall tales and deception begin to unravel, his desperation to keep the charade going takes his situation from worse to disastrous! With crisp banter and uproarious physical humor, Cash On Delivery is a tsunami of fun! Broadway World says "Cash on Delivery delivers hilarity until it builds to dizzying heights." Make your reservations today and "cash in" on the funniest show in town!

The Marvelous Wonderettes: Caps and Gowns. The girls are back and singing their bobby socks off for you! Opening January 15th and playing though April 16th, 2019 (Mon-Tues only) Roger Bean's sequel to his Broadway hit The Marvelous Wonderettes opens at Hale Centre Theater. With an all-new script, the Wonderettes frolic, wisecrack, and sing their way through exciting renditions of great 50s and 60s classics! Roger Bean's aptitude for creating immensely entertaining jukebox-musicals is on full display in this spirited winner. Entertaining, frothy, bubbly, are just a few words to describe this Hale premiere production. Directed and choreographed by Cambrian James, with musical direction by ________. A toe-tapping, fun-filled night of theater awaits!

What a "glorious feeling!" Singing in the Rain, widely considered the finest movie musical ever, taps and sings its way onto the Hale stage February 14th through March 30th, 2019! MGM's mega-hit musical, which starred Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O'Connor is equally as entertaining on stage as it is in the movie. The stage version follows very closely to the movie - featuring the same delightful story by Adolph Green and Betty Comden, music by Nacio Herb Brown, and lyrics by Arthur Freed. You'll laugh and sing along with all the hits such as "Singin' in the Rain," "Make 'em Laugh," "Moses Supposes", and many more. Incredible singing, tap-dancing, and powerhouse performances will entertain you like never before. The weather forecasts fun, laughter, and a chance of rain! Umbrellas optional.

Winner of 7 Tony Awards, Big River winds its way to Hale April 4th through May 11th, 2019. Based on Mark Twain's 1884 novel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, this huge Broadway hit is pure Americana gold. Twain's timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, a slave, escape to freedom. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming. With footstompin' country and bluegrass music written by country music star Roger Miller, we guarantee you and the kids a great night at the theater!

The Man with the Pointed Toes. April 30th through June 18th, 2019 (Mon - Tue). Those lovable cowboys are back and kickin' up more dust and fun than ever! 'Pointed Toes' written by Broadway playwrights, Lynn and Helen Root, never grows old and is without a doubt one of the funniest and most requested shows Hale has ever produced. You see partner, what you do is take a bunch of wild, uncouth cowboys, pair them up with a beautiful and proper school teacher hired to civilize them, and you've got a mess on your hands! Loaded with fun and romance, this knee-slapping comedy is a real crowd pleaser - one that draws back audiences time and time again. Veteran director David Dietlein takes the reins for this rollicking romantic comedy. Now use some horse sense and join us for a good ol' boot-kickin' time!

Newsies. Dateline Gilbert, Arizona - May 16th through June 29th, 2019.

Extra! Extra! Hear all about it! The Broadway sensation, nominated for 8 Tony Awards, winner of 2, dances and sings its way with rare and singular energy to Hale Centre Theatre! Inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 in New York City, Newsies is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a ragged band of teenaged 'newsies,' who dreams only of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. With music by the incomparable Alan Menken, lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by Harvey Fierstein odds are this production full of rousing songs, high-energy dance, and amazing performances will make "Headlines!" Come see them in the making!

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. A fantastical musical adventure with an out-of-this world flying car takes wing at Hale July 5th through August 17th, 2019. Based on the beloved 1968 film version of Ian Fleming's children's book, and featuring an unforgettable score by The Sherman Brothers (Mary Poppins), including the Academy Award-nominated song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, this family-friendly blockbuster is one that audiences will find "Truly Scrumptious." Filled with amazing stage spectacle and unforgettable songs, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a delightful, heartwarming story about family and the bonds created to overcome any difficulty. The final show of Hale's magical, captivating season is a definite must see for the entire family!

A variety of season ticket packages as well as individual tickets are available for all Hale Centre Theatre performances. Contact the theatre box office at 480-497-1181 or visit the theatre's website at https://www.haletheatrearizona.com for tickets and information.

A gem of a theatre, the Hale is located at 50 West Page Avenue in Gilbert's Heritage District, across the street from the Gilbert Water Tower Park. Several restaurants and ample free parking are located nearby.

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