EMBARGO DATE: March 1, 2017 Press Contact: Reida York Director of Advertising and Public Relations 816.559.3847 office | 816.668.9321 cell [email protected] THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and KINKY BOOTS Highlight the 2017-18 Broadway in South Bend Series At The Morris Performing Arts Center SOUTH BEND, IN — Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, and the Tony Award®-winning Best Musical KINKY BOOTS highlight the 2017-18 Broadway in South Bend Series, presented by Broadway Theatre League at The Morris Performing Arts Center. Season renewals and priority orders are available now online at BroadwayinSouthBend.com, by calling 574.235.9190 or by visiting The Morris Performing Arts Center box office. “We are thrilled to bring the spectacular new production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA to The Morris Performing Arts Center alongside a fantastic line-up of Tony Award-winners and Broadway favorites,” proclaimed Brian Liechty, President of the Broadway Theatre League. “The 2017-18 season truly has something for everyone! We look forward to contributing to the arts and culture of South Bend with this powerful season” In addition to THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and high-heeled hit KINKY BOOTS, the Broadway in South Bend line-up features the best of Broadway, including the record-breaking smash, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL and the legendary classic, A CHORUS LINE. Broadway Theatre League will also present a jaw-dropping season add-on, THE ILLUSIONISTS. The 2017-18 Broadway in South Bend Series includes the following national touring productions: MOTOWN THE MUSICAL December 1-3, 2017 It began as one man's story… became everyone's music… and is now Broadway's musical. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL! A CHORUS LINE February 9-11, 2018 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. 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. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA March 28-April 8, 2018 Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will come to South Bend as part of a brand new North American Tour. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is “bigger and better than ever before” and features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award®-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award®-winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler, and new staging by director Laurence Connor. The production, overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score - with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask Of You,” and “Masquerade” - will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this PHANTOM one of the largest productions now on tour. KINKY BOOTS May 4-6, 2018 KINKY BOOTS is Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit! With songs by Grammy® and Tony winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. Inspired by true events, KINKY BOOTS takes you from a gentlemen’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory’s future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. With direction and choreography by two-time Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell (Legally Blonde, Hairspray), a book by Broadway legend and four-time Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles) and songs by Grammy and Tony winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, KINKY BOOTS is the winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score and Best Choreography. Take a step in the right direction and discover that sometimes the best way to fit in is to stand out. “There is no show hotter than KINKY BOOTS!” – CBS News SEASON ADD-ON/SWAP-A-SHOW: THE ILLUSIONISTS April 29, 2018 Direct from Broadway, the world’s best selling magic show is coming to South Bend. This mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of five of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. THE ILLUSIONISTSTM – LIVE FROM BROADWAYTM has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions. Season tickets start at $160 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 2017-18 season by ordering online at BroadwayInSouthBend.com, by calling 574.235.9190 or visiting The Morris Center ticket office, 211 N. Michigan Street, Monday through Friday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE FOR THE 2017-18 BROADWAY IN SOUTH BEND SERIES: MOTOWN THE MUSICAL December 1-3, 2017 A CHORUS LINE February 9-11, 2018 THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA March 28-April 8, 2018 KINKY BOOTS May 4-6, 2018 SEASON ADD-ONS: THE ILLUSIONISTS April 29, 2018 The 2017-18 Broadway in South Bend Series presented by Broadway Theatre League is welcomed by Ivy Court Inn and Suites. # # # .