THE PRODUCERS, THE KING AND I, LUCKY STIFF and More Set for Arizona Broadway Theatre's 10 Anniversary Season

Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) today announced its big, bold and all Broadway 10th Anniversary Season lineup to a packed house of invited donors and season subscribers. The eight full-scale productions will appear on the ABT Mainstage for the 2014-2015 season October 2014 through September 2015.

Arizona Broadway Theatre's executive producer and founder Kiel Klaphake welcomed guests to the evening with a celebratory hint at the 10th Anniversary Season before beginning the lineup announcement festivities.

"This momentous season is all about being bold," said Klaphake. "ABT has become synonymous with full-scale, high-quality musical spectacles, so going into the 10th Anniversary Season we knew the productions had to be some of the biggest musicals to date with mesmerizing scores, stunning choreography and incredible stories. We know you won't be disappointed."

The anticipated season will kick off October 10, 2014 with the Tony Award-winning, Mel Brooks' classic The Producers. This take-no-prisoners stage adaptation of the 1968 film tells the story of scheming Bialystock and Bloom - two names that should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with the show - and their plot to produce the most notorious Broadway flop in history. The only thing they don't bargain for? Success! On stage through November 9, 2014, get ready to laugh out loud at this "equal opportunity offender," with songs like "The King of Old Broadway," "When You've Got It, Flaunt It" and "Heil Myself."

Next on the roster, ABT will invite audiences to experience the holidays with the heartwarming, Irving Berlin classic White Christmas. The beloved and timeless score will be brought to life like never before with its huge production numbers and breathtaking choreography. Based on the 1954 film starring Danny Kaye, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen, the musical spectacle follows World War II veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis and their pursuit of romance while en route to the ultimate wintery holiday in Vermont. On stage November 28 through December 28, 2014, the show promises to be a merry and bright experience for the whole family with Berlin classics including, "Blue Skies," "I Love A Piano" and, of course, the perennial favorite "White Christmas."

The New Year will once again bring a "patron most-requested" Broadway hit to the ABT stage, Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King and I. Known for its dramatic and richly textured tale of East versus West, this uplifting journey, and truly memorable love story, dazzles in score, dance and story. Winning the Tony Award for Best Musical, The King and I brings beloved songs such as, "Getting To Know You" and "Something Wonderful" to royal life." The show will be on stage January 9 through February 15, 2015.

Under lock and key, the fourth show of ABT's 10th season is to be announced later this year. The run dates for the unknown production will be February 27 through April 4, 2015.

"With the stellar lineup we're announcing this evening, you know the wait for this especially popular production's title will be well worth it," said Brad York, sales and marketing director at Arizona Broadway Theatre. "We will release the title on June 1, 2014 when our licensing agreement allows us to shout it from the rooftops."

Sweet Charity takes the stage April 17 through May 10, 2015, offering a tender and poignant, yet hilariously funny, look at the misadventures of loveable Charity Hope Valentine in the ways of love. With entertaining songs popularized by Shirley MacLaine in the 1969 film including," If They Could See Me Now" and "Too Many Tomorrows" paired up with incredible dancing, audiences will adore the bright and sophisticated comedy about the journey of finding love.

Audiences will be treated to the captivating, professional Valley premiere of Disney's The Little Mermaid May 22 through June 21, 2015. Ariel's magical, underwater kingdom comes to vibrant life with state-of-the-art effects and brilliant costumes in this family-friendly gem. Irresistible songs, including, "Under The Sea" and "Kiss The Girl" will be brought to life as only ABT can do when the magical Disney stage experience hits the Mainstage.

The summer concludes with a "snap" when ABT will produce the colorful, girl-power musical Legally Blonde from July 10 through August 9, 2015. The humorous look at life as an ambitious blonde is based on film of the same name starring Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon. The 2007 Broadway debut earned seven Tony Award nominations, 10 Drama Desk nominations and the adoration of crowds worldwide.

Closing out the anniversary season August 28 through September 20, 2015 will be Lucky Stiff. This zany, offbeat and very funny murder mystery farce has been entertaining crowds since 1988. In order to claim his inheritance, unassuming and timid Harry must travel with his recently murdered (an embalmed) uncle to Monte Carlo. Complete with slamming doors, mistaken identities and millions in diamonds, this musical will leave you feeling "Good To Be Alive!"

The deadline for all season subscription renewals is March 17, 2014, and new eight-show subscribers are welcome to reserve their seats now. Patrons purchasing lower subscription levels can call the ABT box office at 623.776.8400 for purchase dates. Individual tickets go on sale for all 10th Anniversary Season productions during ABT's annual open house on Saturday, June 14, 2014. For more information on ABT and its 10th Anniversary Season, visit azbroadway.org.

About Arizona Broadway Theatre: Arizona Broadway Theatre (ABT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit professional performing arts organization located in Peoria, Ariz. The theatre produces eight Mainstage productions each season, up to 12 special events annually and enriches youth statewide through its Theatre for Young Audiences and Academy for Young Performers programs. In its short time in the Valley, ABT has been recognized as the "Best Playhouse of the Valley" by PHOENIX Magazine and was the winner of WESTMARC's "2011 Best of the West" Award. Additionally, ABT has grown to be the highest-attended, live year-round theatre venue in the Valley of the Sun. ABT showcases actors and designers from New York City, the greater Phoenix area and around the country in its state-of-the-art productions.

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