Legally Blonde heads to Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA GOES BLONDE!



WILL DEBUT AT ACADEMY OF MUSIC
ON DECEMBER 2

MUSICAL WILL FEATURE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST MEMBERS
AND FINALISTS IN MTV’S REALITY SHOW,
‘LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL- THE SEARCH FOR ELLE WOODS’


LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL will make its Philadelphia premiere at the Academy of Music beginning December 2 – 7.

Part of the Broadway Series, tickets ranging in price from $25 to $100 are on sale beginning Friday, Sept. 5 at 10:00 am. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Spruce Streets (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Streets (open during performances only). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Performances include: Tuesday – Thursday evening at 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday evening at 8:00 pm; Sunday evening at 6:30 pm; matinees Saturday at 2:00 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm.

Sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone more “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

In its first year on Broadway, LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL earned seven 2007 Tony Award nominations, ten 2007 Drama Desk Award Nominations, a 2007 Outer Critics Circle Award and the chorus of the musical was honored by Actors’ Equity Association’s Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA) with the first ever ACCA Award. The musical also ranked in the top ten list of the most requested Ticketmaster “Arts & Theatre Events” for 2007.

Becky Gulsvig, the Elle understudy in the original Broadway cast, is Elle Woods in the tour. Fans of the MTV reality show “Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods”, which premiered on June 2, 2008, will recognize two familiar faces in the tour casting: Third runner-up Rhiannon Hansen plays Elle’s best friend Margot and fourth runner-up Lauren Zakrin is an ensemble member and understudies the role of Elle. The reality show represented the musical’s second venture with MTV. In the fall of 2007, MTV aired Legally Blonde The Musical in its entirety to stellar ratings and was subsequently nominated for two 2007-2008 Daytime Emmy Awards.

The Original Broadway Cast Recording for “Legally Blonde The Musical,” was released on Ghostlight Records, an imprint of Sh-K-Boom Records, and captured the #1 slot on the Billboard Cast Album chart and charted at #86 on the Billboard Top 200. The album has continued its success, charting every week as one of the top-selling Broadway cast recordings and soared to the Top 10 albums (of any genre) on iTunes once the show premiered on MTV.

As on Broadway, Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell is the director and choreographer. Music and lyrics are by both Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and the book is by Heather Hach. The production features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Paul Miller, orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke and sound design by ACME Sound Partners.

LEGALLY BLONDE is produced on Broadway by Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals and Dori Berinstein, in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.

The new 2008-2009 Broadway Series, where theatrical presentations in Philadelphia will be presented at the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre, begins with the launch of its first production, The Wizard of Oz on Nov. 28 – 30, followed by Legally Blonde The Musical Dec. 2 – 7. The Series also includes: A Chorus Line (Dec. 16 – Jan. 4) at the Forrest Theatre; Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Jan. 9 – 11); Jesus Christ Superstar (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1); RENT (Feb. 3 – 8); Happy Days – A New Musical (Mar. 24 – 29); Riverdance (Mar. 31 – Apr. 5); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (April 7 – 12); Movin’ Out (May 15 – 17); and Spring Awakening (June 23 – 28). Subscription packages are on sale now by calling 215-893-1955 or online at www.kimmelcenter.org/subs0809.

All performances of the Broadway Series are supported by CITI, , WPVI-TV 6, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News. American Airlines is the Official Airline of the Broadway Series.

www.LegallyBlondeTheMusical.com

Wizard of OZ travels to Philadelphia

We’re Not In Kansas Anymore…
The Wizard of Oz Travels
Over the Rainbow to Philadelphia!

Opens at Academy of Music on Nov. 28
Tickets On Sale Now!


The greatest family musical of all time, THE WIZARD OF OZ, is touching down in Philadelphia as NETworks Presentations brings this national treasure to the Academy of Music for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend on Nov. 28 through Nov. 30.

Part of the Broadway Series, tickets ranging from $25 to $100 are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Spruce Streets (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Streets (open during performances only). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Performances include: Friday (Nov. 28) and Saturday (Nov. 29) at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm; and Sunday (Nov. 30) at 1:00 pm.

This magical production, based on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s celebration of the 1939 MGM movie, is presented with breathtaking special effects that will sweep audiences away, from the moment the tornado twists its way into Kansas.

Director Nigel West, choreographer Leigh Constantine and set and costume designer Tim McQuillen-Wright utilize the glamour and elegance of art deco Hollywood as the visually stunning technicolor backdrop for THE WIZARD OF OZ. Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow are transported “Over the Rainbow” to adventures in Munchkin Land, the Haunted Forest, and the Emerald City.

Featuring the classic songs, as composed by Harold Arlen, “Over the Rainbow,” “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” and “If I Only Had A Brain,” along with the beloved characters, THE WIZARD OF OZ will have the entire family captivated as they travel down the yellow brick road for an unforgettable evening at the theater.

For more information visit: www.wizardofozontour.com

The new 2008-2009 Broadway Series, where theatrical presentations in Philadelphia will be presented at the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre, begins with the launch of its first production, The Wizard of Oz on Nov. 28 – 30, followed by Legally Blonde The Musical Dec. 2 – 7. The Series also includes: A Chorus Line (Dec. 16 – Jan. 4) at the Forrest Theatre; Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Jan. 9 – 11); Jesus Christ Superstar (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1); RENT (Feb. 3 – 8); Happy Days – A New Musical (Mar. 24 – 29); Riverdance (Mar. 31 – Apr. 5); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (April 7 – 12); Movin’ Out (May 15 – 17); and Spring Awakening (June 23 – 28). Subscription packages are on sale now by calling 215-893-1955 or online at www.kimmelcenter.org/subs0809.

All performances of the Broadway Series are supported by CITI, WPVI-TV 6, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News. American Airlines is the Official Airline of the Broadway Series.

THE WIZARD OF OZ is being produced by NETworks Presentations, LLC. For more information visit http://www.networkstours.com.

Parenting 101 The Musical Extended in Philadelphia

PARENTING 101 The Musical
EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND!

HILARIOUS NEW MUSICAL PARODY
TAKES SCREAMINGLY FUNNY LOOK AT
RAISING KIDS FROM BIRTH TO MARRIAGE!

Tickets Available Now!


(Philadelphia – Sept.3, 2008) – The new musical parody, PARENTING 101 The Musical has been extended through November 30 due to popular demand.

After making its Philadelphia premiere and garnering rave reviews, PARENTING 101 will continue playing at the Kimmel Center’s Innovation Studio.The hilarious new production takes a loving and screamingly funny look at the joyous and crazy ride of raising kids all the way from videotaping their arrival at birth to letting them out of the nest to fly on their own..

“The skits are outragious and bold….Parenting 101 is fun for all,” said the Philadelphia City Paper. “The audience couldn’t get enough of the hilarity…Rush out and tell friends not to miss it!” advised The Evening Bulletin.

Part of the Cadillac Broadway Series, tickets at $47 are available by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, or at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad St. & Spruce St., (open daily 10:00 am to 6:00 pm). Group discounts are available by calling 215-790-5883. Performances include: Wednesdays through Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 5:00 pm & 8:00 pm; and Sundays at 3:00 pm.

A loving look at the trials and tribulations of raising children, PARENTING 101 was conceived by sisters Nancy Holson and and Susan Holson. Observing parenting skills and styles together since birth, both women have children and drew on their own experiences in creating PARENTING 101. In addition, Nancy Holson is the Emmy Award winning creator of The News In Revue and Bush Wars. PARENTING 101 is authored by Nancy Holson and Jay Falzone, with Book and Lyrics by Nancy Holson and Jay Falzone. The production was directed and choreographed by Jay Falzone.

The musical review includes a song for every milestone of PARENTING 101 from labor pains, through sleep deprivation, potty training, puberty, dating, teen troubles, college, marriage and finally, the kids getting married and giving birth to kids of their own.

Each song is a well-known pop or show tune with new comic lyrics that capture the moments that all parents (and grandparents) know and remember all of their lives.

The cast of four actor/singer/dancers play Moms, Dads, Grandmas, and kids at every stage of growing up, from toddler to new Mom & Dad. The three-member band includes keyboard, drums and guitar. For more information visit: http://parenting101themusical.com

PARENTING 101 is produced by Philadelphia producers Howard Perloff and Martin Woldow, Peter Breger Productions, and Kimmel Center, Inc

The new 2008-2009 Cadillac Broadway Series, where theatrical presentations in Philadelphia will be presented at the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre, begins with the launch of its first production, The Wizard of Oz on Nov. 28 – 30, followed by Legally Blonde The Musical Dec. 2 – 7. The Series also includes: A Chorus Line (Dec. 16 – Jan. 4) at the Forrest Theatre; Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Jan. 9 – 11); Jesus Christ Superstar (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1); RENT (Feb. 3 – 8); Happy Days – A New Musical (Mar. 24 – 29); Riverdance (Mar. 31 – Apr. 5); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (April 7 – 12); Movin’ Out (May 15 – 17); and Spring Awakening (June 23 – 28). Subscription packages are on sale now by calling 215-893-1955 or online at www.kimmelcenter.org/subs0809.

All performances of the Cadillac Broadway Series are supported by Cadillac, CITI, Target, WPVI-TV 6, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Philadelphia Daily News. American Airlines is the Official Airline of the Cadillac Broadway Series.

Legally Blonde the Musical In Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA GOES BLONDE!



WILL DEBUT AT ACADEMY OF MUSIC
ON DECEMBER 2

Tickets On Sale September 5!


LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL will make its Philadelphia premiere at the Academy of Music beginning December 2 – 7.

Part of the Cadillac Broadway Series, tickets ranging in price from $25 to $100 are on sale beginning Friday, Sept. 5 at 10:00 am. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad and Spruce Streets (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Streets (open during performances only). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Performances include: Tuesday – Thursday evening at 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday evening at 8:00 pm; Sunday evening at 6:30 pm; matinees Saturday at 2:00 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm.

Sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone more “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

In its first year on Broadway, LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL earned seven 2007 Tony Award nominations, ten 2007 Drama Desk Award Nominations, a 2007 Outer Critics Circle Award and the chorus of the musical was honored by Actors’ Equity Association’s Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA) with the first ever ACCA Award. The musical also ranked in the top ten list of the most requested Ticketmaster “Arts & Theatre Events” for 2007.

Becky Gulsvig, the Elle understudy in the original Broadway cast, is Elle Woods in the tour. Fans of the MTV reality show “Legally Blonde The Musical: The Search for Elle Woods”, which premiered on June 2, 2008, will recognize two familiar faces in the tour casting: Third runner-up Rhiannon Hansen plays Elle’s best friend Margot and fourth runner-up Lauren Zakrin is an ensemble member and understudies the role of Elle. The reality show represented the musical’s second venture with MTV. In the fall of 2007, MTV aired Legally Blonde The Musical in its entirety to stellar ratings and was subsequently nominated for two 2007-2008 Daytime Emmy Awards.

The Original Broadway Cast Recording for “Legally Blonde The Musical,” was released on Ghostlight Records, an imprint of Sh-K-Boom Records, and captured the #1 slot on the Billboard Cast Album chart and charted at #86 on the Billboard Top 200. The album has continued its success, charting every week as one of the top-selling Broadway cast recordings and soared to the Top 10 albums (of any genre) on iTunes once the show premiered on MTV.

As on Broadway, Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell is the director and choreographer. Music and lyrics are by both Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and the book is by Heather Hach. The production features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Paul Miller, orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke and sound design by ACME Sound Partners.

LEGALLY BLONDE is produced on Broadway by Hal Luftig, Fox Theatricals and Dori Berinstein, in association with MGM Onstage, Darcie Denkert and Dean Stolber.

The new 2008-2009 Cadillac Broadway Series, where theatrical presentations in Philadelphia will be presented at the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre, begins with the launch of its first production, The Wizard of Oz on Nov. 28 – 30, followed by Legally Blonde The Musical Dec. 2 – 7. The Series also includes: A Chorus Line (Dec. 16 – Jan. 4) at the Forrest Theatre; Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Jan. 9 – 11); Jesus Christ Superstar (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1); RENT (Feb. 3 – 8); Happy Days – A New Musical (Mar. 24 – 29); Riverdance (Mar. 31 – Apr. 5); Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (April 7 – 12); Movin’ Out (May 15 – 17); and Spring Awakening (June 23 – 28). Subscription packages are on sale now by calling 215-893-1955 or online at www.kimmelcenter.org/subs0809.

All performances of the Cadillac Broadway Series are supported by Cadillac, CITI, Target, WPVI-TV 6, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Daily News. American Airlines is the Official Airline of the Cadillac Broadway Series.
www.LegallyBlondeTheMusical.com
# # #

She Loves You Opening in Philadelphia!

SHE LOVES YOU!
ARRIVES IN PHILADELPHIA ON SEPT. 24!!

MUSICAL CELEBRATION WILL FEATURE
FORMER BEATLEMANIA CAST MEMBERS

Producer Rick Belzer A Philly Native!

(Philadelphia – Sept. 3, 2008) SHE LOVES YOU!, a concert and multi-media experience recreating the music of The Beatles -- performed live by former Beatlemania band members -- will make its Philadelphia premiere in the intimately distinctive setting of the Society Hill Playhouse (507 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia) beginning September 24 for a limited 10-week engagement.

Tickets at $45 are on sale now and available by calling 215-923-0210, online at www.comcasttix.com, or visiting the Society Hill Playhouse box office, 507 S. 8th Street (open Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 5:30 pm). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts by calling 1-888-4-SHE-LOVES. Performances include: Wednesday & Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; matinees on Saturdays & Sundays at 3:00 pm.

SHE LOVES YOU! will take audiences back to the sights and sounds of the era of love, revolution, and music of the 1960’s. The live musical performance by band members includes a repertoire of 30 of the Fab Four’s greatest hits, along with an audio and visual multi-media retrospective of America during the 60’s era showing classic television footage, vintage newsreels clips, retro commercials and bits from variety shows….a truly nostalgic retrospective that is sure to conjure up great memories. Audiences are encouraged to dress in their best ‘60’s attire for every performance!
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Page 2……………

She Loves You! Producer Rick Belzer, born in Philadelphia and raised in the Bucks County area, is a former Broadway lighting designer who worked on Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice including ‘Cats,’ ‘Evita,’ ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ and ‘Starlight Express.’ Belzer was the executive producer and artistic director of the Candlewood Playhouse in Fairfield, CT for 10 years, producing over 80 full-scale musicals.

Band members include former Beatlemania cast members David Leon (John) and Alan LeBoeuf (Paul), along with John Brosnan (George) and Carmine Grippo (Ringo).

Alan LeBoeuf as "Paul " (Bass Guitar and Vocals)
From Warren, NJ, Alan attended Rutgers University before pursuing a career in entertainment. Alan's 1st major break was landing the role of 'Paul McCartney' in Broadway's 'Beatlemania'. After 2 years on Broadway, Alan moved to Nashville to form 'Baillie and The Boys,' that signed with RCA and had 7 straight top ten hits on the country charts. After 2 successful albums, Alan left the band to tour with 'Legends in Concert' and 'Beatlemania'. Alan also performed at EPCOT, Walt Disney World with 'The British Invasion' for 4 years.

David Leon as "John" (Guitar and Vocals)
After graduating UCLA with a degree in film production, David starred in the Broadway and motion picture production of "Beatlemania", also playing his home town of Los Angeles at the Pantages and Shubert Theater. His band "Helmet Boy" recorded an album for Electra Records. He has also performed with such well known artists as: The Rembrandts, Rick Springfield, Mitch Ryder, Badfinger, Peter Noone and Herman's Hermits, The Box Tops and Tiny Tim. David writes screenplays and has optioned two that are in production.

John Brosnan as "George" (Lead guitar and Vocals)
John is a songwriter & musician and lives in London. He grew up in Melbourne & studied classical piano & theory at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. He was a member of 'Niki Phillips & The Corporation' who had the Top 10 hit 'Something About You'. He moved to London in 1992 and worked with Alex Smith (Moving Pictures) Malcolm Foster (Pretenders, Simple Minds) & Andy Thomson (Elton John, Meatloaf, Dire Straits) signed to Polygram. He lived in America from 1995 to 1997 where his band, signed to Sony in New York and scored a Billboard Top 100 hit 'Something is Wrong'.

Carmine Grippo as "Ringo" (Drums)
Born in New Haven, CT and now residing in Los Angeles, CA, Actor/Musician Carmine Grippo has appeared on television and in motion pictures such as the "Tom Arnold Show", "Evening Shade", "Wayne’s World II", and "The Last Man Standing". In mid-1994 he joined "The Moptops" and has since appeared on numerous television programs such as NBC's "Dark Skies" as Ringo Starr. Television credits include the Evening Shade, Cheers, Tom Arnold Show, Dark Skies, Beverly Hills 90210, and The Tonight Show. Film credits include the Waynes World 2, Last Man Standing, and Independence Day

For additional information visit: www.shelovesyouyeahyeahyeah.com.

She Loves You - Philadelphia

SHE LOVES YOU!
PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE!
OPENS SEPTEMBER 24!

A MUSICAL CELEBRATION SALUTING
THE BAND THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
AT SOCIETY HILL PLAYHOUSE
FOR 10 WEEKS ONLY!

TICKETS ON SALE TODAY!

(Philadelphia – August 6, 2008) SHE LOVES YOU!, a concert and multi-media experience recreating the music of The Beatles -- performed live by former Beatlemania band members -- will make its Philadelphia premiere in the intimately distinctive setting of the Society Hill Playhouse (507 S. 8th Street, Philadelphia) beginning September 24 for a limited 10-week engagement.

Tickets at $45 are on sale now and available by calling 215-923-0210, online at www.comcasttix.com, or visiting the Society Hill Playhouse box office, 507 S. 8th Street (open Monday – Friday 11:00 am – 5:30 pm). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts by calling 1-888-4-SHE-LOVES. Performances include: Wednesday & Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm; Friday & Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm; matinees on Saturdays & Sundays at 3:00 pm.

Philadelphia is only the second national touring stop for SHE LOVES YOU! “We chose Philadelphia because the Beatles played here twice, once in 1964 and again in 1966. Very few US cities had the distinction of seeing them live in concert not once, but twice,” said Philadelphia-born Rick Belzer, the show’s producer. “Philly loves the Beatles!”

SHE LOVES YOU! will take audiences back to the sights and sounds of the era of love, revolution, and music of the 1960’s. The live musical performance by band members includes a repertoire of 30 of the Fab Four’s greatest hits, along with an audio and visual multi-media retrospective of America during the 60’s era showing classic television footage, vintage newsreel clips, retro commercials and bits from variety shows.
A truly nostalgic retrospective that is sure to conjure up great memories.

SHE LOVES YOU! is guaranteed to entertain audiences of all ages. The New York Times said “It’s all about Love for The Beatles!,” and the Connectiticut Post praised “For Beatles fans, She Loves You! is perfection!” Audiences are encouraged to dress in their best ‘60’s attire.

Band members include former Beatlemania cast members David Leon (John) and Alan LeBoeuf (Paul), along with John Brosnan (George) and Carmine Grippo (Ringo).

For additional information visit: www.shelovesyouyeahyeahyeah.com.

Kooza Leaving Philadelphia

MERCI PHILADELPHIA!
KOOZA run must end on Sunday, June 15

Cirque du Soleil wishes to thank Philadelphia for the incredible hospitality it has shown in welcoming KOOZA to the city. More than 112,000 people have experienced the excitement and energy of KOOZA in Philadelphia. With less than a week until the Philadelphia run of KOOZA ends, this is your last chance to see this celebrated show before it travels to Chicago.

The Philadelphia Inquirer says “KOOZA is the power of making you gasp in wonder and joy”.

KOOZA performs through Sunday, June 15, under the blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau (big top) On the Avenue of the Arts (entrance on Broad at Washington). Tickets are available online at www.cirquedusoleil.com or by calling 1 800-678-5440.

Performance Schedule through June 15:
Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.
Thursdays thru Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Cirque du Soleil wishes to thank our media partners, sponsors and especially everyone in the Philadelphia area for their enthusiasm and support in making this a successful and memorable engagement.

Spamalot Returns to Philadelphia

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT Returns to Taunt Philadelphia
at the Academy of Music, August 14-31
Tony Award Winner, Best Musical 2005
Tickets On Sale Now!
June 3, 2008
The Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2005, Monty Python's Spamalot, will return to the Academy of Music for a three-week engagement on August 14-31, 2008.
Part of the Cadillac Broadway Series, tickets ranging in price from $30 to $138 are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Streets (open daily 10am to 6pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad and Locust Streets (open during performances only). Groups of 20 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947.
Performances include: Tuesday – Thursday evenings at 7:30pm; Friday & Saturday evenings at 8pm; Sunday evenings at 6:30pm; matinees Saturdays at 2pm, and Sundays at 1pm.

David Copperfield Brings Illusions to Philadelphia

DAVID COPPERFIELD
AN INTIMATE EVENING OF GRAND ILLUSION
APPEARS AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC MAY 16 – 17

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Imagine if you could win the lottery, travel to your perfect place in the blink of an eye, own your dream car, turn back the hands of time or reunite with a lost loved one. It all becomes a reality, every night when David Copperfield appears in Philadelphia at the Academy of Music on May 16 & 17.

Part of the Cadillac Broadway Series, tickets ranging in price from $26.75 to $68.75 are on sale now. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Sts (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office, Broad & Locust Sts (during performances only). Groups of 15 or more should call 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Performances include: Friday, May 16 at 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm; Saturday, May 17 at 2:30 pm. 5:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
True to its title, “Grand Illusion” is the logical, and incredible evolution of this conjurer’s art. Copperfield’s goal in “Grand Illusion” is to take one’s dreams (and maybe a few nightmares) and make them become reality using his state of the art wizardry.
“For magic to be relevant,” explains Copperfield, “it has to evolve so it keeps up with, or even surpasses, the best film and theater. I want to base my work on what people really dream about. Most of us don’t dream of pulling a rabbit out of a hat. But what affects people is realizing personal dreams, dreams almost everyone shares, that they thought were impossible. In the cinema the audience watches the characters’ dreams come true.”
Copperfield adds, “In ‘Grand Illusion,’ the audiences get to watch their dreams come true, live, before their very eyes and in three dimensions. It’s an interactive experience of wish fulfillment. Nothing like it has been done before. ‘Grand Illusion’ deals with real people who dream of being reunited with a loved one they thought they’d never see again and making it happen, instantly, in front of three or four thousand people who witness the event and see that it’s real.”
Expounding further, Copperfield says, “Grand Illusion” was partly inspired by an unfulfilled wish of my grandfather’s that a lot of people share: winning the lottery and finally owning that one special thing you always dreamed of. We call it an ‘intimate’ evening of grand illusion partly because it’s interactive. In one of the pieces, for example, the audience discovers how to predict lottery numbers that will come up that night. They get to participate in illusions that blur the line between magic and reality.”
Show highlights include:
KILLER
In an “unplugged” moment of pure sleight-of-hand Copperfield performs “close-up” magic with a lethal black African scorpion. One of the most original, startling—and dangerous—effects ever, this unforgettable display of sleight-of-hand presents Copperfield with a true challenge to his will and dexterity, in a test not to be tried at home.
REUNION
Here a member of the audience takes the trip of his or her life. In “Reunion,” a person who has longed for reconciliation with a loved one realizes their dream, through one of the most startling, affecting illusions ever devised. While standing on a crane arm with Copperfield, suspended over the heads of the audience, the person vanishes impossibly, only to reappear moments later in the freely selected location of their dreams. From Hackensack to Honolulu, the person’s “dream” location is where they magically arrive. “Reunion” is an illusion so challenging, that Copperfield employs proof that would make F Lee Bailey envious.
SQUEEZEBOX
Copperfield takes liposuction to a whole new level as the six foot one “King of Magic” gets squeezed into a bite-sized piece that could fit into a Prada shoebox.
THE LOTTERY
Inspired by David’s grandfather’s unfilled dream, “The Lottery” is an astonishing epic of brain-busters. Copperfield involves the entire audience, and shares his secret technique for predicting the winning numbers of “The Lottery.”
MAN VERSUS STEEL
David walked through the Great Wall of China. This time, he’ll do it a little slower. Instead of walking, he floats through solid steel, proving that dreams can dissolve barriers.
THIRTEEN
One of Copperfield’s most heavily-requested creations, thirteen audience members chosen entirely at random vanish, leaving friends and family wondering whether to applaud or put their loved ones’ faces on milk cartons. Their fears are allayed as the thirteen reappear, instantly, in the most surprising of places.
“David Copperfield: An Intimate Evening Of Grand Illusion” is an affecting, life-changing event that reaches into the audiences’ minds and hearts and takes them on a feast of wish fulfillment. Displaying his off-the-cuff brand of humor, Copperfield breaks new ground in “Grand Illusion” and takes his art to a grand yet intimate, personal yet universal dimension for an evening of wonders that will never be forgotten.
*NOTE: ILLUSION LINEUP SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE
The 2007-2008 Cadillac Broadway Series marks the first full season of cooperation between Kimmel Center, Inc. and Shubert Organization, Inc., where theatrical presentations in Philadelphia will be presented at the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre. In addition to David Copperfield, the 2007-2008 season includes: Gypsy (May 9-11); Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple (June 17-July 13); Mamma Mia! (July 15-27); and Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (Aug.14-31).
All performances of the Cadillac Broadway Series are supported by Cadillac, CITI, Target, WPVI-TV 6, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Philadelphia Daily News. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Cadillac Broadway Series.

Hairspray arrives in Philly

“IF LIFE WERE EVERYTHING IT SHOULD BE, IT WOULD BE MORE LIKE ‘HAIRSPRAY.’”

—The New York Times

ARRIVES IN PHILADELPHIA!

OPENS AT ACADEMY OF MUSIC MAY 2 – 4



Tickets On Sale Now!



It’s time to let your hair down and dance the night away! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s musical comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture is coming to the Academy of Music May 2 – 4. This fantastically fun musical, winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards including Best Musical, is currently enjoying its 5th year on Broadway. The 2007 West End production of HAIRSPRAY was nominated for a record-breaking 11 Olivier Awards and nabbed four, including the top category Best New Musical, and also won Best New Musical in all of Britain’s other top awards programs, including the Evening Standard, Critic’s Circle, and Whatsonstage Awards.

And now, back by popular demand, the people of Philadelphia will once again be swept away to 1960s Baltimore in this international smash-hit musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance – and enough deliriously tuneful songs to fill a nonstop platter party. It’s HAIRSPRAY, live on stage, in living color!

Part of the Cadillac Broadway Series, tickets ranging in price from $25 to $70 are on sale now. A limited number of premium box seats are available for $100. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Streets (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office (during performances only). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Performances include: Friday and Saturday evenings (May 2 & 3) at 8:00 pm; Sunday evening (May 4) at 6:30 pm; matinees Saturday at 2:00 pm, and Sunday at 1:00 pm.

Everyone is raving about this delightful musical, including the critics. “A great big fat gorgeous hit,” claims Clive Barnes of the New York Post. “A must-see for every teenage dreamer who believes anything is possible,” say Georgina Brown of London’s The Mail on Sunday. “So many numbers bring down the house, it’s a wonder the theater is still standing,” says Jeremy Gerard of New York Magazine.

In HAIRSPRAY it's 1962—the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion—to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, “The Corny Collins Show” and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a plus-size trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in HAIRSPRAY! Welcome to the '60s!



HAIRSPRAY is based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, who served as a creative consultant on the musical comedy. It features a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. HAIRSPRAY features an original score by Academy Award-nominated Marc Shaiman (who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the acclaimed animated musical, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut) and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. This production of HAIRSPRAY is based on Jack O’Brien’s original direction and Jerry Mitchell’s original choreography, recreated by Matt Lenz and Danny James Austin, respectively. Scenic design is by David Rockwell; the set coordinator is Michael Allen; costume design is by William Ivey Long; lighting design is by Kenneth Posner and Paul Miller; the sound is by Shannon Slaton; wig and hair design is by Paul Huntley; and the musical supervisor is Lon Hoyt. HAIRSPRAY is produced by NETworks Presentations.

The 2007-2008 Cadillac Broadway Series marks the first full season of cooperation between Kimmel Center, Inc. and Shubert Organization, Inc., where theatrical presentations in Philadelphia will be presented at the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre. In addition to Hairspray, the 2007-2008 season includes: Gypsy (May 9-11); David Copperfield: An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion (May 16-17); Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple (June 17-July 13); Mamma Mia! (July 15-27); and Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (Aug.14-31).

All performances of the Cadillac Broadway Series are supported by Cadillac, CITI, Target, WPVI-TV 6, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Philadelphia Daily News. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Cadillac Broadway Series.

More Cirque Performances Added

Final block of tickets on sale in PHILADELPHIA

19 performances added



KOOZA will perform under the Grand Chapiteau

May 8 - June 15 only!



Philadelphia, March 18, 2008 -- Due to unprecedented demand for tickets, Cirque du Soleil has added the final 19 performances to the Philadelphia engagement of KOOZA before the show premieres on May 8. The final KOOZA performance in Philadelphia will be June 15, 2008.



KOOZA tickets for these final performances (June 3-15) will be available to the general public starting Sunday, March 23, 2008. They are currently available to Cirque Club members only. Membership in the Cirque Club is free and registration is quick and simple at www.cirquedusoleil.com.



KOOZA will premiere in Philadelphia on May 8, 2008 under the blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau on the Avenue of the Arts (at Broad and Washington). Tickets may be purchased online at www.cirquedusoleil.com or by calling 1 800-678-5440.



KOOZA is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil that combines two circus traditions – acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility, presented in a colorful mélange that emphasizes bold slapstick humor. Between strength and fragility, laughter and smiles, turmoil and harmony, KOOZA explores themes of identity, recognition and power. The show is set in an electrifying and exotic visual world full of surprises, thrills, chills, audacity and total involvement.



Performance Schedule
· Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m.
· Thursdays thru Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
· Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
· No performances on Mondays.
There will be no 4pm performances on May 8, 9 and 15


Ticket Prices (taxes Included)
· $50–$85 for adults

· $35–$59.50 for children (ages 2-12)

· $45–$76.50 for seniors (65+) and students (13+) - Tuesday to Thursday, and Friday at 4pm.

Broadway Series

BROADWAY SERIES

BROADWAY AT THE ACADEMY • BROADWAY AT THE FORREST





KIMMEL CENTER, INC. & SHUBERT ORGANIZATION, INC.

ANNOUNCE NEW 2008-2009 CADILLAC BROADWAY SERIES



Top Broadway Musicals Will Make Philadelphia

Premieres at Academy of Music and Forrest Theatre



Spring Awakening And Legally Blonde The Musical

Set to Highlight Sensational New Season!



Award-Winning Lineup Will Also Feature

A Chorus Line, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,

Happy Days – A New Musical



(Philadelphia, Pa., March 6, 2008) – An award-winning combination of dazzling Broadway musicals are set to arrive in Philadelphia, marking the arrival of the new 2008-2009 Cadillac Broadway Series hosted by the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre.



The new Cadillac Broadway Series subscription season will feature: LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL (Dec. 2 – 7, 2008); HAPPY DAYS – A NEW MUSICAL (Mar. 24 – 29, 2009); CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG (Apr. 7 – 12, 2009); SPRING AWAKENING (Jun. 23 – 28, 2009), all at the Academy of Music; and A CHORUS LINE (Dec. 16 – Dec. 21, 2008) at the Forrest Theatre.



Additional ’08-’09 shows will include: THE WIZARD OF OZ (Nov. 28 – 30, 2008); AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (Jan. 9 – 11, 2009); JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2009); RENT (Feb. 3 – 8, 2009); RIVERDANCE – Farewell Tour (Mar. 31 – Apr. 5, 2009) and MOVIN’ OUT (May 15 – 17, 2009). Two upcoming musicals arriving this summer, MAMMA MIA! (July 15 – 27, 2008) and Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (Aug. 14 – 31, 2008) will also be included as ‘add-ons’ to the new subscription season.



Subscription packages are on sale now by calling 215-893-1955 or online at www.kimmelcenter.org/subs0809. Single tickets will go on sale at a later date.



“We are thrilled to once again collaborate with the Shubert Organization in bringing the nation’s most popular and successful Broadway touring productions to the Philadelphia region,” said Kimmel Center, Inc. President and CEO Anne Ewers. “Our selection of Broadway offerings has grown every year thanks to the overwhelmingly positive response from our subscribers and the local theater community. We plan to continue our tradition of offering the ‘crème de le crème’ in Broadway musicals to the entire region.”



“Our new subscription season promises to be one of the most spectacular ever—and we are excited to be part of it,” said Gerald Schoenfeld, Chairman of the Shubert Organization, Inc. “By working together with the Kimmel Center, we are able to offer the Philadelphia theater community a larger selection of musical productions in two of Center City’s most beautiful and historic theatres.”



“It’s here, and it’s ‘AN ELLE OF A SHOW’ (Time Magazine). The hilarious MGM film is Broadway’s new smash hit musical, and now LEGALLY BLONDE - The Musical (Dec. 2 – Dec. 7, 2008) is coming to Philadelphia to usher in the new subscription season.



LEGALLY BLONDE follows sorority star Elle Woods, an underestimated blonde who doesn’t take ‘no’ for an answer. When her boyfriend dumps her for someone more “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books anc sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law School. Along the way Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. After turning Broadway and MTV hot pink, this “Feel Good Song and Dance Juggernaut” (New York Magazine) is ‘The Best New Musical Around” (WOR).



Winner of nine Tony Awards, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, the singular sensation A CHORUS LINE arrives at the Forrest Theatre (Dec. 16 – Dec. 21, 2008). 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 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 longest-running American Broadway musical ever, A CHORUS LINE now returns. Come meet the new generation of Broadway’s best. “A CHORUS LINE is back, and it’s thrilling!” (John Lahr, The New Yorker)



Goodbye gray skies, hello Blue! Happy days are here again with Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph and the unforgettable “king of cool” Arthur ‘The Fonz” Fonzarelli. HAPPY DAYS – A New Musical, based on the hit Paramount Pictures’ television series makes its Philadelphia premiere (Mar. 24 – 29, 2009). HAPPY DAYS – A New Musical reintroduces one of America’s best loved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox sock-hoppin.. The famed drive-in malt shop and number one hang-out, Arnold’s, is in danger of demolition, so the gang teams up to save it with a dance contest and TV-worthy wrestling match. This perfectly family-friendly musical will have audiences rockin’ and rollin’ all week long!

HAPPY DAYS – A New Musical has a book by the legendary Garry Marshall, with music & lyrics by Oscar winning composer Paul Williams. Directed by Gordon Greenberg. Music Arrangements and Music Supervision by John McDaniel. Choregraphed by Michele Lynch.



You’ll believe a car can fly, when CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG soars into town (Apr. 7 – 12, 2009). The enthralling adventures of a magical car that sails the seas and flies through the air has been a family favorite since the original motion picture captivated the world’s imagination in 1968. It’s everything you could want in a musical – and more. Sensational sets, stunning special effects, an irresistible story, and an unforgettable Sherman Brothers musical score, including memorable classics like “Truly Scrumptious,” “Hushabye Mountain,” and of course, the Oscar-nominated title song, all add up to a Broadway blockbuster for the entire family.



SPRING AWAKENING (Jun. 23 – 28, 2009), Broadway’s most talked about new musical and now the biggest Tony Award-winner in years will make its Philadelphia premiere at the Academy of Music. SPRING AWAKENING is the groundbreaking fusion of morality, sexuality, and rock & roll that has awakened Broadway like no other musical in years. Winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, SPRING AWAKENING celebrates the unforgettable journey from youth to adulthood with a power, a poignancy and a passion you will never forget. We agree with The New York Times “Broadway may never be the same again.” Haunting and Electrifying! This brave new musical has a shivery, sensual allure unmatched by anything in the theatre right now.” (Charles Isherwood, The New York Times).



Additional new shows available to subscribers will include:



There truly is no place like home, as the greatest family musical of all time, the wonderful WIZARD OF OZ, twists its way into Philadelphia (Nov. 28 – 30, 2008). The entire family will be captivated as they travel down the Yellow Brick Road and beyond with Dorothy, Toto, and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow in this lavish production featuring breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs. A spectacular celebration of the iconic MGM film, THE WIZARD OF OZ will blow you away from the moment the tornado touches down and transports you to a sazzling art deco Oz, complete with Munckins and Flying Monkeys.



It’s been 30 years since AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (Jan. 9 – 11, 2009), Broadway’s smash-hit Fats Waller musical revue won six Tony Awards including Best New Musical. Now Richard Maltby, Jr., Tony Award-winning author and director of the 1978 premiere Broadway production, will re-create his original direction for the new 30th Anniversary National Tour. RUBEN STUDDARD, the 2003 American Idol Winner, joins a top-notch cast with a sassy all-star band live onstage. This outrageously prodigious comic and musical soul of 1930’s Harlem is a rollicking, swinging, finger-snapping production – still considered one of Broadway’s best-crafted revues of all time.



JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Jan. 30 – Feb. 1, 2009), the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, first exploded onto the scene in 1971, changing the world of musical theatre fovever. With a score of amazing songs – “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Hosanna,” “Everything’s Alright,” “What’s the Buzz,” “Superstar,” and “Heaven on Their Mind,” this original groundbreaking production starring Ted Neeley in the title role and Living Colour’s Corey Glover as Judas is as relevant and timely as ever.



RENT (Feb. 3 – 8, 2009) returns to the Academy of Music by popular demand! RENT is more than a show, it’s a phenomenon – a theatrical experience that transformed how a generation feels about musicals, changed Broadway forever, and inspired a major motion picture. Whether it’s your 1st time or your 100th time, it’s time you checked out RENT!



RIVERDANCE (Mar. 31 – Apr. 5, 2009), the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, will play eight Farewell Performances at the Academy of Music. “A Phenomenon of Historic Proportions!” raves the Washington Post. “An explosion of sight and sound that simply takes your breath away,” cheers the Chicago Tribune. “A family evening unlike anthing else!” exclaims The London Times. Discover why nothing in the world compares to the original international phenomenon! Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, you won’t want to miss these Farewell performances of RIVERDANCE.



Five-time Grammy winner Billy Joel and legendary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined forces to create the spectacular Broadway musical MOVIN’ OUT (May 15 – 17, 2008). Time Magazine declares it “The #1 show of the year.” The New York Times calls it “a shimmering portrait of an American generation. These tornado driven dancers and rock musicians propel the audience into delirious ovations.” MOVIN OUT brings 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying new life as it tells the story of five life-long friends over two turbulent decades. It all adds up to one unforgettable Broadway musical.



Subscription ticket prices for the 2008-2009 Cadillac Broadway Series season range from $78.50 to $500. To order tickets or for more information on subscription packages call 215-893-1955 or visit www.kimmelcenter.org/subs0809. Groups of 15 or more call 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Visit online at www.kimmelcenter.org/groupsales or www.telecharge.com/groups. Single tickets will go on sale at a later date.



Cadillac Broadway Series subscribers are offered a variety of exclusive privileges including the first opportunity to select the best seats in the house and the option to renew these seats every year. Subscribers are also entitled to discounts of up to 33% on additional Cadillac Broadway Series shows and Kimmel Center Presents performances, in addition to up to 50% savings for both senior citizens and students. A special 50/50 payment plan, along with restaurant and retail discounts are also available to subscribers. A convenient flexible ticket exchange program allows subscribers to exchange tickets for another performance of the same show.



All performances of 2008-2009 Cadillac Broadway Series are supported by Cadillac, CITI, Target, WPVI-TV 6, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Cadillac Broadway Series.

Philadelphia's BalletX Premieres Matthew Neenan's 'Right To Spring'

PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Contemporary dance company
BalletX continues its inaugural season as the resident dance company of The
Wilma Theater (265 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia) and presents the world
premiere of Right To Spring, with five shows running Wednesday - Saturday,
March 26-29 at 8 pm, and Sunday, March 30 at 2 pm. Tickets: General $25,
Student/Senior $20 at The Wilma Theater Box Office, 215.546.7824 or at
http://www.WilmaTheater.org. Full information at http://www.BalletX.org.
Right To Spring runs with no intermission.

Right To Spring is a one-hour ballet choreographed by Co-Artistic
Director Matthew Neenan. The choreography embodies the essence of winter
giving way to spring. After a long dormancy, the world reawakens and bursts
forth with new life. The collaborative work aims to capture that process:
the changing of the seasons and how we react to it, mentally and
spiritually. Co-Artistic Director Christine Cox states: "Right To Spring is
a chance for us to celebrate a time of year that transforms our soul and
allows us to explore the process of change and growth."

The music will vary from classical to rock and will feature an original
score composed, arranged and performed live by Matthew Pierce (of the Lake
Trout band) joined by band members Mike Lowry and James Griffith. This is
the first production with live music for BalletX at The Wilma Theater.

Continue Reading...

Annie Returns To Philadelphia

ANNIE’S BACK!

AMERICA’S MOST BELOVED MUSICAL RETURNS

TO PHILADELPHIA



ARRIVES AT ACADEMY OF MUSIC MARCH 21 – 23

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!



For Immediate Release (Feb. 25, 2008) - Leapin’ Lizards! America’s most beloved musical, ANNIE, is back for its 30th anniversary tour, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie will be coming to Philadelphia’s Academy of Music March 21 – 23 for a limited engagement.

Part of the Cadillac Broadway Series, tickets ranging in price from $25 to $75 are on sale now. A limited number of premium box seats are available for $100. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Streets (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office (during performances only). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Tickets can also be purchased as part of a Choose 3 subscription package by calling 215-893-1955. Performances include: Friday and Saturday evenings (March 21 & 22) at 8:00 pm; Sunday evening (March 23) at 6:30 pm; matinees Friday and Saturday at 2:00 pm, and Sunday at 1:00 pm.

“One of the best musical ever,” proclaims the Chicago Tribune, and the Chicago

Sun-Times says, “Ageless ANNIE as engaging as ever.”

ANNIE, with music by Charles Strouse and book by Thomas Meehan, is again directed by its lyricist, Martin Charnin, who brought the original production of ANNIE to Broadway in 1977. Tony Award winning set designer, Ming Cho Lee, has created a fresh look for this new production.

The original Broadway production of ANNIE won seven 1977 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book and Score. It ran for 2,377 performances, and has subsequently been produced all over the world. The original production is one of the top 20 longest running shows in Broadway history, and ANNIE continues to be one of the most successful musicals ever.





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,” you can bet your bottom dollar that ANNIE will bring a smile to your face.

In addition to Charnin, Meehan, Strouse and Lee, ANNIE’s creative team includes original Broadway musical staging by Peter Gennaro, choreography by Liza Gennaro, lighting design by Ken Billington, costume design by Theoni Aldridge and sound design by Peter Hylenski. ANNIE is being produced by Networks Presentations, LLC. For more information, visit www.annieontour.com.

The 2007-2008 Cadillac Broadway Series marks the first full season of cooperation between Kimmel Center, Inc. and Shubert Organization, Inc., where theatrical presentations in Philadelphia will be presented at the Academy of Music and the Forrest Theatre. In addition to ANNIE, the 2007-2008 season includes: My Fair Lady (March 11 – 16); Hairspray (May 2-4); Gypsy (May 9-11); David Copperfield: An Intimate Evening of Grand Illusion (May 16-17); Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple (June 17-July 13); Mamma Mia! (July 15-27); and Monty Python’s SPAMALOT (Aug.14-31).

All performances of the Cadillac Broadway Series are supported by Cadillac, CITI, Target, WPVI-TV 6, The Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Philadelphia Daily News. American Airlines is the Official Airline of Cadillac Broadway Series.

My Fair Lady Makes Philadelphia Premiere In March

CAMERON MACKINTOSH / THE NATIONAL THEATRE OF GREAT BRITAIN’S

AWARD-WINNING WEST END PRODUCTION OF

LERNER & LOEWE’S
“My Fair Lady”
MAKES PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE

AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC MARCH 11 – MARCH 16

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!



The Cameron Mackintosh and the National Theatre of Great Britain’s new production of Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY makes its Philadelphia premiere at the Academy of Music for a limited engagment March 11 - 16 as part of a national tour. Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY comes to the U.S. direct from its 2001 West End run and U.K. national tour that began fall 2005. Part of the Cadillac Broadway Series, tickets for the Award-winning production are on sale now. For more information, or to see a video preview, please visit www.myfairladythemusical.com.

Tickets ranging in price from $25 to $77.50 are on sale now. A limited number of premium box seats are available for $100.00. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-731-3333, online at www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway, at the Kimmel Center box office, Broad & Spruce Streets (open daily 10 am to 6 pm) or at the Academy of Music box office (during performances only). Groups of 15 or more will receive discounts for select performances by calling 215-790-5883 or 866-276-2947. Tickets can also be purchased as part of a Choose 3 subuscription package by calling 215-893-1955. Performances include: Tuesday through Thursday evenings (March 11-13) at 7:30 pm; Friday and Saturday evenings (March 14 & 15) at 8:00 pm; Sunday evening (March 16) at 6:30 pm; and matinee performances on Saturday at 2:00 pm and Sunday at 1:00 pm.

Christopher Cazenove, one of England’s most respected stage and screen actors best known to U.S. audiences as Ben Carrington on television’s “Dynasty” and Lisa O’Hare, who most recently starred as the title role of Mary Poppins in London, will star as Professor Henry Higgins and Eliza Doolittle, roles they originated on the extended U.K. national tour.

Also featured as Mrs. Higgins will be acclaimed theatre and film star Marni Nixon (singing voice of Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady” feature film). Lisa O’Hare is appearing with the permission of Actors’ Equity Association. The Producers gratefully acknowledge Actors’ Equity Association for its assistance of this production.

Hailed as “A stellar piece of work…with breathtaking production values” by The Tennessean, this production of MY FAIR LADY takes a stunning leap forward with its reimagining of many features of this cherished classic, delivering a magnificent and relevant theatre experience for 21st century audiences.

Also featured in the U.S. Tour premiere are Tim Jerome as Alfred P. Doolittle, Walter Charles as Colonel Hugh Pickering, Barbara Marineau as Mrs. Pierce, Justin Bohon as Freddy Eynsford-Hill and at certain performances the role of Eliza Doolittle is played by Dana DeLisa.

The ensemble comprises David Abeles, Harlen Bengel, Eric Briarley, Wilson Bridges, Ronald L. Brown, Debra Cardona, Elizabeth DeRosa, Kyle DesChamps, Bill Dietrich, Michael J. Farina, Warren Freeman, Jazmin Gorsline, Robin Haynes, Marnee Hollis, Lisa Kassay, Lainie Munro, Adam Laird, Cathy Newman, Georga Osborne, Lauren Pastorek, Byron St. Cyr, Jesse Swimm, David Tankersley, Stephanie Van Duynhoven, Erin Willis and Lee Zarrett.

MY FAIR LADY has book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. It is adapted from Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion and Gabriel Pascal’s motion picture and features one of Broadway’s most beloved scores including “The Rain in Spain,” “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.”

This production of MY FAIR LADY originally opened at the National Theatre of Great Britain March 2001 before transferring to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on London’s West End July 2001 where it ran for 2½ years.

This new production was hailed by the London Daily Mail as “The revival against which all others will be measured,” and the London Daily Telegraph as “Probably the greatest musical of all time.” U.S. critics were equally unanimous in their praise: “A joyous smash revival” hailed Ben Brantley of The New York Times and Richard Christiansen of The Chicago Tribune raved “Sumptuous and stunning! An inspired revival.”

The show opened to record-breaking advance sales and went on to win five Laurence Olivier Awards, including ‘Outstanding Musical Production’ and ‘Best Theatre Choreographer’ for Matthew Bourne. In 2002 it received The Hilton Award for Outstanding Musical Production.

The U.S. national tour of MY FAIR LADY brings together the original U.K. artistic team with direction by four-time Tony® winner Trevor Nunn, choreography and musical staging by two-time Tony® winner Matthew Bourne, production design by Anthony Ward and lighting design by David Hersey. The musical supervisor is Stephen Brooker and the orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with the dance music arranged by Chris Walker. The sound is by Paul Groothuis. The Associate Choreographer is Fergus Logan. The Associate Director is Shaun Kerrison.

The original production of My Fair Lady opened at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, New York on March 15, 1956 where it ran for 2,717 performances – the longest- running musical of its day and still one of the top fifteen longest-running Broadway musicals of all time. It won eight 1956 Tony Awards® including Best Musical. My Fair Lady subsequently opened in London with the same cast on April 30, 1958 at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and it enjoyed a record-breaking 5 ½-year run. The 1964 film of My Fair Lady has become a beloved classic worldwide, winning eight 1964 Academy Awards® including Best Picture.