WICKED, DIRTY DANCING and More Set for Broadway in South Bend 2016-17 Lineup

Back by "Popular" demand, the Broadway hit musical WICKED anchors the Broadway Theatre League of South Bend's 2016-17 series at the Morris Center for the Performing Arts.

Current season members can renew their tickets and new members can sign up for priority seating now at The Morris Performing Arts Center box office, online at BroadwayinSouthBend.com or by calling 574.235.9190, M-F 10am-5pm.

"How do you top a season that kicks off with WICKED?" proclaimed Brian Liechty, President of the Broadway Theatre League. "The greater South Bend community can again bask in the Broadway glitz and glamor of another exciting season of outstanding musical theater. There's something for everyone this year and I know our patrons will enjoy every minute!"

WICKED flies to The Morris Center for a two week engagement, September 7-18, 2016.

The Broadway in South Bend Series continues with nine-time Tony Award-winner, Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA, the Tony Award-winner for Best Musical, ONCE and the beloved staged adaptation of the unforgettable film, DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ONSTAGE. Broadway Theatre League will also present two season add-ons: the family-friendly holiday treat, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL and the ultimate feel-good show MAMMA MIA!

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The 2016-17 Broadway in South Bend Series includes the following national touring productions:

WICKED

September 7-18, 2016

South Bend audiences love WICKED and will be thrilled when it returns for a two-week run. Declared "The Best Musical of the Decade" by Entertainment Weekly and "A Cultural Phenomenon" by Variety, WICKED is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman.

WICKED is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the land of Oz. One, born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA

January 20-21, 2017

Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA is the Tony Award- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that's delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love-the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more-plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/It's Possible" and "Ten Minutes Ago," in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who's ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes.

ONCE

March 3-4, 2017

Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play the score with their instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream until a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights, and their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It's an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music connecting us all.

DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE

April 22-23, 2017

DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit features the hit songs "Hungry Eyes," "Hey Baby," "Do You Love Me?" and the heart-stopping "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life." London's Sunday Express says "This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!"

It's the summer of 1963, and 17-year-old Frances 'Baby' Houseman is on vacation in New York's Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents. Mesmerized by the racy dance moves and pounding rhythms she discovers in the resort's staff quarters, Baby can't wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle, the resort's sexy dance instructor. Passions ignite and Baby's life changes forever when she is thrown in to the deep end as Johnny's leading lady, both on-stage and off.

DIRTY DANCING will be performed on Saturday, April 22 at 8pm and Sunday, April 23 at 1 and 6:30pm. Friday season members will attend Sunday evening and Saturday matinee members will attend Sunday matinee to accommodate the show's touring schedule.

SEASON ADD-ONS:

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL

November 26, 2016

In 1964, the beloved stop-motion animated television classic, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, made its network television debut delighting audiences across the country. Now, the "most famous reindeer of all" from the longest running and highest rated television special will return live on stage with RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL.

The story tells the tale of a young Rudolph who, because of the appearance of his bright, shining nose, is ousted from the reindeer games in Christmas-town. He flees town, meets up with new friends Hermey and Yukon, and a series of funny and endearing adventures ensue including a visit to The Island of Misfit Toys. Rudolph journeys home, where a snowstorm of epic proportions is threatening Christmas. Can Rudolph save his family and friends and help Santa save the holiday?

MAMMA MIA!

May 15-16, 2017

More than 50 million people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music that make MAMMA MIA! the ultimate feel-good show! The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, and every night everyone's having the time of their lives! With more productions playing internationally than any other musical, MAMMA MIA! is the World's No.1 Show!

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Season Members have the option to purchase tickets before the public to the season add-ons. Members may also choose to take advantage of Broadway Theatre League's Swap-A-Show program, which offers season members the chance to swap out of one show in the season package and into a performance of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL or MAMMA MIA.

Season tickets start at $155 for all four season shows and a payment plan is available for members. Only Broadway Theatre League season members receive the best seats at locked-in prices, priority access to tickets, premium seating, easy ticket exchanges, advance ticket offers, Swap-A-Show privileges and dining discounts. New season members should order early for the best seats and may reserve a place in line for 2016-17 season tickets with a refundable $25 deposit by calling 574.235.9190, ordering online at BroadwayInSouthBend.com or visiting The Morris Center ticket office, 211 N. Michigan Street, Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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