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Disney’s THE LION KING, THE COLOR PURPLE and WAITRESS Highlight the 2017-18 Kansas City Broadway Series at the Music Hall and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Kansas City, MO – The international phenomenon, Disney’s THE LION KING, the 2016 Tony Award®- winning Best Revival, THE COLOR PURPLE, and the current Broadway hit, WAITRESS, highlight the 2017-18 Kansas City Broadway Series, presented by Broadway Across America and Theater League at the Music Hall and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Season renewals and priority orders are available now online at BroadwayInKC.com, by calling 816.421.7500 or by visiting the Theater League office at 9140 Ward Parkway, Suite 220, Kansas City, MO 64114 (M-F, 10am-5pm).
“We’re pleased to be part of our 40th season presenting the Best of Broadway here in Kansas City and we’re grateful for the support of the community, which enables us to bring in these wonderful productions,” explained Theater League Founder Mark Edelman. Leslie Broecker, President of Broadway Across America – Midwest added, “We’re pleased to bring the fan-favorite blockbuster, Disney’s THE LION KING along with current Broadway hit WAITRESS, alongside the magical family musical FINDING NEVERLAND.”
The 2017-18 Kansas City Broadway Series features Disney’s THE LION KING, WAITRESS and FINDING NEVERLAND at the Music Hall and the Tony Award-winning revival of A COLOR PURPLE and the legendary Broadway musical A CHORUS LINE at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
In addition to the five Kansas City Broadway Series shows, Broadway Across America will present a special return engagement of LES MISÉRABLES at the Music Hall, while Theater League will bring the Broadway Beatles tribute LET IT BE to the Kauffman Center. Only Season Members receive first priority and get the best seats to these season add-ons OR can swap out of one season show and into LES MISÉRABLES or LET IT BE.
The 2017-18 Kansas City Broadway Series includes the following national touring productions:
WAITRESS November 14-19, 2017 (Music Hall) Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song"), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award®-winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland). "It's an empowering musical of the highest order!" raves the Chicago Tribune.
Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna. A waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.
"WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!" says Entertainment Weekly and "a monumental contribution to Broadway!" according to Marie Claire. Don't miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.
THE COLOR PURPLE January 16-21, 2018 (Kauffman Center) THE COLOR PURPLE is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival! Hailed as “a direct hit to the heart” (The Hollywood Reporter), this joyous American classic has conquered Broadway in an all-new "ravishingly reconceived production that is a glory to behold” (The New York Times) directed by Tony winner John Doyle.
With a soul-raising score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE gives an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer Prize-winning story.
Don’t miss this stunning re-imagining of an epic story about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South. It’s the musical sensation that New York Magazine calls “one of the greatest revivals ever.” Experience the exhilarating power of this Tony-winning triumph!
FINDING NEVERLAND February 27 – March 4, 2018 (Music Hall) The winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart,” says TIME Magazine. Vogue cheers, “It’s a must-see you’ll remember for years to come!” Directed by visionary Tony®-winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award® winning film, FINDING NEVERLAND tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful, widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. FINDING NEVERLAND is “far and away the best musical of the year!” (NPR).
Disney’s THE LION KING May 9-27, 2018 (Music Hall) Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to the Music Hall!
More than 90 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, the unforgettable music, and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.
Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE LION KING brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice.
There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING. Only season member are guaranteed seats to this blockbuster show.
A CHORUS LINE May 29 – June 3, 2018 (Kauffman Center) Winner of nine Tony Awards®, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is one of the most treasured American Broadway musicals ever. Theater League concludes the 2017-18 season with the centerpiece of its first KC Broadway series forty years ago.
In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It's what they've worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It's the one opportunity to do what they've always dreamed -- to have the chance to dance. This is A CHORUS LINE, the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line.
SEASON ADD-ON/SWAP-A-SHOW OPTIONS:
LES MISÉRABLES December 5-10, 2017 (Music Hall) Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck, cheering “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1). Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, LES MISÉRABLES tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring the thrilling score and beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars," “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Seen by more than 70 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, LES MISÉRABLES is still the world’s most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere in its 32nd year. LET IT BE March 23-24, 2018 (Kauffman Center) Celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” with Broadway’s Beatles tribute LET IT BE. More than two million people worldwide have experienced LET IT BE, jam-packed with over forty of the Fab Four’s greatest hits.
Relive The Beatles’ meteoric rise from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club, through the heights of Beatlemania, to their later studio masterpieces, with live performances of early tracks including “Twist and Shout,” “She Loves You” and “Drive My Car,” as well as global mega- hits “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude,” “Come Together” and, of course, “Let It Be.” Travel back to the magical 60’s and 70’s when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends!
‘THE GIG THAT LIVERPOOL NEVER HAD IS NOW THE GIG THAT LIVERPOOL CANNOT DO WITHOUT!’ – Liverpool Sound and Vision
Season tickets start at $195 for all five shows and a payment plan is available for renewing members. Only Kansas City Broadway Series Season Members receive the best seats at locked-in prices before tickets go on sale to the public, as well as priority access to tickets, premium seating, easy ticket exchanges, lost ticket insurance and dining discounts. New season members should order early for the best seats for 2017-18 season tickets by ordering online at BroadwayInKC.com, calling 816.421.7500 or by visiting the Theater League box office at 9140 Ward Parkway, Suite 220, Kansas City, MO 64114, M-F 10a.m.– 5p.m. Payment plan options available.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE KANSAS CITY BROADWAY SERIES:
WAITRESS Nov. 14-19, 2017 ...... The Music Hall THE COLOR PURPLE Jan. 16-21, 2018 ... Kauffman Center FINDING NEVERLAND Feb. 27-Mar. 4, 2018 ...... The Music Hall Disney’s THE LION KING May 9-27, 2018 ...... The Music Hall A CHORUS LINE May 29-June 3, 2018 ... Kauffman Center
SEASON ADD-ON OR SWAP-A-SHOW OPTION
LES MISÉRABLES Dec. 5-10, 2017 ...... The Music Hall LET IT BE Mar. 23-24, 2018 .... Kauffman Center
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The 2017-2018 Kansas City Broadway Series is welcomed by Hotel Phillips.
BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com and is operated by John Gore (Owner & CEO). BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 38 markets. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof, Finding Neverland, Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray, On Your Feet!, The Producers, and CATS. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com.
THEATER LEAGUE, founded in 1976, celebrates 40 years as a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, civic performing arts organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the communities it serves with the thrill of live! theater. Presenting national tours of Broadway musicals in performing arts centers around the country, Theater League provides an important cultural resource to more than 38,000 season members and 347,000 patrons each year. # # #