The Tennessee Performing Arts Center has announced the line-up of national tours on their way to Nashville during TPAC’s 25th anniversary season with subscriptions now available for a mix of new musicals, family favorites, and a play adapted from a best-selling book.
In addition to the five-show subscription series, TPAC is presenting the return of A Tuna Christmas, starring Tony Award-nominated creators Joe Sears and Jaston Williams, masters of comedy and quick change who portray all 24 citizens of Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas, December 6-11, 2005, and Dora the Explorer LIVE!, Dora’s Pirate Adventure, the second musical adapted from the popular children’s television series, February 1-5, 2006.
“Announcing the next Broadway series is always an exciting event for TPAC,” said Brent Hyams, director of marketing. “We work hard every year to bring Nashville the best titles and the highest quality productions on tour. The upcoming season reflects strong local demand for family entertainment, our natural interest in Broadway hits and big Tony Award winners, and our efforts to bring brand new tours to Nashville. We’ll celebrate our 25th anniversary with a variety of shows that represent the variety in Broadway entertainment that TPAC has presented throughout its history.”
Subscriptions – or season tickets – for the full season are now on sale. Single tickets will be on sale to the general public roughly six weeks prior to their openings dates at TPAC. The cost of the five-show package for HCA/TriStar Broadway in Nashville at TPAC ranges from $87 to $337, depending on seat location and day of performance.
“The most convenient and economical way to enjoy Broadway at TPAC is to buy season subscriptions,” said Hyams. “Subscribers also receive a full package of benefits including customer service on a dedicated phone line, a free subscription to Show People magazines, and a Subscriber Rewards Card with dozens of special offers from area restaurants, retailers and attractions.”
Another benefit, “Share the Stage with a Friend,” gives subscribers a $20 credit on their account when they make a referral to TPAC that results in the sale of a new subscription.
Current subscribers have been mailed information on how to renew their season tickets for 2005-2006. TPAC Subscriber Services is also accepting new orders, processed on a “first come-first serve” basis after seating assignments for renewing subscribers are made.
Here’s a rundown of the subscription series with descriptions provided by the producers of each tour:
STOMP ( September 20-25, 2005) is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.
Join the remarkable March sisters – Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy – as one of America’s most beloved books soars to the stage in LITTLE WOMEN – THE MUSICAL (November 15-20, 2005). Starring Maureen McGovern direct from Broadway, this dazzling new musical, based on Louisa May Alcott's timeless tale about the power of family, friendship and romance, is capturing the hearts of a new generation and captivating audiences of all ages! Don’t miss this “richly sentimental favorite with family-friendly appeal.” New York Newsday
HAIRSPRAY (January 17-22, 2006), Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical-comedy phenomenon, takes you back to 1962 Baltimore, as 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a big girl with big dreams—and even bigger hair!—change the world…and still have time to win the boy she loves? This mega-hit is piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance—and enough deliriously tuneful new songs to fill a nonstop platter party. It’s the winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. As The New York Times says, “If life were everything it should be, it would be more like HAIRSPRAY. It’s irresistible!”
Tuesdays with Morrie starring Hal Linden By Mitch Albom (February 14-19, 2006) is based on the New York Times Bestseller, Albom's autobiographical story of a career-obsessed journalist, and Morrie Schwartz, his former college professor. Sixteen years after graduation, Mitch learns that his old professor is dying of an incurable disease. Mitch reunites with Morrie and simple visits turn into weekly pilgrimages and a last class in the meaning of life. "Unforgettable!" John Simon, New York Magazine.
Leapin’ lizards! Annie is coming to Nashville! The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back ( May 16-21, 2006), giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the ever-optimistic “Tomorrow,” Annie is a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family. Don’t miss this all-new production, featuring a brand new song "Why Should I Change A Thing?" by Martin Charnin and Charles Strouse!
For more information on HCA/TriStar Broadway in Nashville at TPAC, visit these Web sites www.tpac.org or www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com, where season subscriptions also may be purchased on-line; call TPAC subscriber services at 615-782-6560 (or 1-800-410-4216, outside of the Nashville calling area) or visit the TPAC Box Office at 505 Deaderick Street or Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Green Hills. For information on discounts for groups of 20 or more, call the TPAC Group Sales Office at 615-782-4060.