South Bend Civic Theatre Announces Its 2017 Season

The South Bend Civic Theatre is pleased to announce its exciting 2017 Season, celebrating their 60th anniversary and 10th year in their new home.

The new year is being kicked off with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, January 27- February 12, on the Wilson Main Stage. The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to life in this delightful musical parable. A cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock'n'roll, make this Old Testament tale both timely and timeless.

Followed by the "Kids4Kids" production of Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach JR., March 3-12, on the Wilson Main Stage, this show is a brand new take on Roald Dahl's poignantly quirky tale. With a wickedly tuneful score, this adventurous musical is destined to be a classic.

And speaking of classics, the next show up on the Wilson Main Stage will be Tennessee Williams' award-winning drama, A Streetcar Named Desire, March 31-April 9. Explosive and passionate, this tale is Modern American Theatre at its best. This incendiary story pits the desperate needs of the fading Blanche against the raw passion of Stanley and Stella (sister to Blanche and wife to Stanley). With his signature poetic prose and psychological insight, Tennessee Williams' troubled, eccentric heroine unravels before our eyes.

Another classic tale is retold through music, as we follow Huck Finn and his cronies down the mighty Mississippi. Big River, May 5-21, takes place on the Wilson Main Stage, and presents the irrepressible Huck helping his friend Jim escape to freedom. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful, and heartwarming. Propelled by an award-winning score from Roger Miller, it's a theatrical celebration of pure Americana.

Next up is an Irish love story, Outside Mullingar, June 9-18, being presented in the Warner Theatre. Anthony and Rosemary grew up next to each other on neighboring farms in rural Ireland. Rosemary fell in love with Anthony at the age of six, and is convinced that he will eventually be hers. But 40 years later, they are still just neighbors. Will this witty, lonely pair of would-be lovers ever get together? Find out in this funny, romantic comedy.

And what would summer be without a blockbuster like The Wizard of Oz, taking place in the Wilson Theatre, July 14-30. This is the classic story of Dorothy, the girl from Kansas, who goes searching over the rainbow for her heart's desire. In the process, she meets the Munchkins, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, the Wizard, and of course -- the Wicked Witch of the West! Watch as all of the classic musical numbers from the film come to life.

Also taking flight, Black Eagles tells the story of America's first black fighter pilots, the Tuskegee airmen, who are the focus of this historical drama. As they battle opponents in the skies over Europe and among their fellow flyers back at base, we discover the bravery, humor, and resilience that helped to change the fate of the world and the face of our nation. Black Eagles is being presented in the Warner Theatre, August 11-20.

From drama to musical comedy, we present Sister Act, September 15-October 1, on the Wilson Main Stage. Based on the 1992 film, Sister Act starts when disco diva Deloris Van Cartier witnesses a murder and is put in protective custody in -- of all places -- a convent! Disguised as a nun, she uses her unique disco and singing talents to breathe new life into the choir. Powerful gospel music and outrageous dancing make this a truly moving and memorable story.

October brings our "Kids4Kids" production of the 2012 Tony winner Newsies, October 20-29, to the Wilson Main Stage. Set in New York City at the turn of the 20th century, this is the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and his ragged band of teenaged "newsies", who can only dream of a better life far from the hardship of the streets. But when publishing titans raise distribution prices at the newsboys' expense, Jack and the newsies strike for what's right. This high-energy production introduces eight new songs by Alan Menkin and Jack Feldman, in addition to keeping many of the beloved songs from the film.

Next, we bring One Slight Hitch to the Warner Theatre stage, November 10-19. It's Courtney's wedding day, and her mom is making sure that the groom is perfect, the dress is perfect, and the decorations (assuming they arrive) will be perfect. Then, like in any good farce, the doorbell rings and all hell breaks loose. So much for "perfect"! You'll enjoy this delightful and warm-hearted comedy by the popular standup comic Lewis Black.

The 2017 Season will close back on the Wilson Main Stage with A Christmas Story, December 1-23. This delightful holiday classic, based in the 1940s, finds 8-year-old Ralphie in a quest to find an official Red Ryder BB gun under the tree for Christmas. All the elements from the beloved motion picture are here, including the exploding furnace, the school bully, the wet tongue on a cold lamppost, and the leg lamp. A Christmas Story is a perennial holiday favorite.

Subscriptions for all 11 shows are available now by either visiting the South Bend Civic Theatre Box Office, located at 403 N. Main Street, or calling the Box Office at 574-234-1112, between the hours of noon and 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. "Pick 6" subscriptions and individual tickets will be available for purchase December 26 online at their website www.sbct.org. Gift certificates are also available for purchase online, or by visiting or calling the Box Office.

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