It’s like Christmas has come early to Broadway Center - and there’s a gift behind every curtain. Every year at this time Tacoma’s premiere arts organization releases its new season line-up, offering plenty to whet the appetite of just about any fan of quality, live entertainment.
Quite noticeable this year is the diversity of what’s on the playbill - world premiers, hits from the Great White Way, classic films, beloved favorites and many new surprises. From daring acrobats and breathtaking Chinese dancers to holiday audience sing-alongs and uproarious stand-up comedians, Broadway Center is offering some things new and welcoming some returning favorites for its 2010-11 season. The coming year’s programs also provide expanded focus on big, brand-name artists, dance, jazz and family programs. In the words of Broadway Center Executive Director David Fischer, “A great city demands great artistry, and we are delivering.”
The Center’s glittering new season officially kicks off Oct. 1 at the Pantages Theater with a cirque extravaganza launching its national tour in Tacoma. For the first time ever, Broadway Center has co-commissioned a new work - Cirque Mechanics’ “Boom Town” from the creators of “Birdhouse Factory,” which the Center presented in 2005 and helped send to Broadway in New York. Merging the talents of the best artistic circus acts (including many from Cirque du Soleil), “Boom Town” takes audiences back to the year 1865 in the tiny mining town of Rosebud, where an unlikely discovery sets off a series of hilarious and unexpected events full of the lore, excitement and adventure of the Old West. Early mining inspired machines serve as the playground for prospectors and adventure seekers, making for what promises to be an exceptional evening of gravity-defying thrills coupled with a charming story the whole family will love.
This season also brings together the Center and Lakewood Playhouse to present the Northwest premiere of the stage production “My Name is Asher Lev,” based on the novel by American author and Rabbi Chaim Potok. Having already attracted rave reviews on the East Coast, this is a fascinating coming-of-age story about how a young Hassidic artist’s creative spirit and passion conflict with his family, his community and long-held religious values. The ending will move you (“Not a dry eye in the house,” according to Variety.com). (Feb. 19, 20 at Theatre on the Square).
Another brand-new act coming to the Center this year is Preservation Hall Jazz Band with The Trey McIntyre Project: “Ma Maison,” a fusion of jazz and dance that taps into the mystical, magical world of New Orleans with vigor and performances of spirits in the flesh (April 16, 7 p.m., Pantages Theater).
There there’s Nicholas Leichter and Monstah Black’s “The Whiz” (a combination of “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Wiz”) created just for the Obama generation. (May 21, Pantages Theater).
And don’t forget Tony Award-winning smash-hit musicals like “The Color Purple” (Nov. 12, Pantages Theater), “Fiddler on the Roof” (April 26, Pantages Theater) and “Spring Awakenings” (Jan. 22, Pantages Theater).
With so much being offered, it’s best to visit www.broadwaycenter.org for full details - but here’s more of an appetizer:
MUSIC
Blind Boys of Alabama with Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys
Presenting their “Unbroken Circle” tour, two legends share the stage in a blues, gospel and bluegrass concert with individual and combination performances. (Oct. 8, Pantages Theater)
Jeffery Broussard and the Creole Boys
Love to dance? Join one of the most influential accordionists and vocalists in modern Zydeco music for a wild party complete with gumbo and specialty drinks! (Feb. 25, Theatre on the Square and Studio II)
Jo Dee Messina: The Music Room Series
The multi-platinum country star invites audiences into her music room for an intimate acoustic concert and storytelling focusing on her many hits. (Oct. 24, Pantages Theater)
Nanci Griffith
With a landmark career that includes classic albums like “Other Voices Other Rooms,” “Storms,” “Flyer” and “Once in a Very Blue Moon,” Griffith’s latest album, “The Loving Kind,” (released June 9), finds her at the top of her game as a songwriter, interpreter and singer. (Jan. 29, Pantages Theater)
“Twist & Shout: The Definitive Beatles Experience”
Played by brilliant musicians in a tribute to one of the most beloved and respected rock bands in history. (March 31, Pantages Theater)
Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul
Grammy Award winning musican, star of “Riverdance” and founding member of Cherish the Ladies delivers a delirious mix of traditional and original Irish airs, jigs, reels, grooves, songs and stories. (April 16, Pantages Theater)
Jane Monheit
Following in the footsteps of America’s greatest female jazz singers, this intimate concert will highlight Monheit’s newest album, “The Lover, The Dreamers and Me” - an ode to songwriters past and present with tributes to Paul Simon, Cole Porter, Bonnie Raitt, Fiona Apple and Corinne Bailey Rae. (April 23, Rialto Theater)
Johnny Clegg
Presenting “Spirit is the Journey - 30th Anniversary Concert,” one of South
Africa’s most celebrated sons (a singer, songwriter, dancer, anthropologist and activist) plays infectious music that is a vibrant blend of Western pop and African Zulu rhythms. (April 29, Rialto Theater)
The Brubeck Brothers Quartet
Two members of one of America’s most accomplished musical families, Daniel (drums) and Chris (bass and trombone) Brubeck lead this unique quartet with the spontaneous spirit of jazz. (May 13, Pantages Theater)
FILM
“Rear Window”
Alfred Hitchcock’s suspense classic starring Jimmy Stewart as a bed-ridden photographer who spies on his neighbors and sees too much. (Oct. 31, Theatre on the Square)
“Vertigo”
Another Hitchcock favorite starring Jimmy Stewart, this time as a retired police detective with a fear of heights hired to follow the wife of an acquaintance to investigate her peculiar behavior. (Nov. 14, Theatre on the Square)
“The Man Who Knew Too Much”
This time Dr. Ben McKinna (Jimmy Stewart) and family befriend a fellow traveler on vacation, where they stumble upon a dangerous secret that leads into a murderous web. (Jan. 30, Theatre on the Square)
“The Hurricane”
Denzel Washington stars in this 1999 film based on the true story of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, a rising star middle-weight boxer whose conviction for a triple murder was rescinded after he spent almost 20 years in prison. (Feb. 27, Theatre on the Square)
“Malcolm X”
Denzel Washington is riveting in this 1992 biographical film. (March 27, Theatre on the Square)
“Philadelphia”
An emotionally charged and inspired drama about an attorney who sues a law firm for AIDS discrimination in 1987. (May 8, Theatre on the Square)
AUTHORS
David Sedaris
With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, this master of satire and most observant writer addresses the human condition today. (Oct. 29, Pantages Theater)
Garrison Keillor
The best-selling American author, storyteller, humorist, radio personality and host of “A Prairie Home Companion” returns to Tacoma for one night only. (Feb. 10, Pantages Theater)
THEATER
August Wilson’s “Pittsburgh Cycle V: Seven Guitars”
The third year of a five-year collaboration with all of Wilson’s 10-play “Pittsburgh Cycle” in a staged reading format. “Seven Guitars” is a story told through music through the lens of the 1940s music scene. (Nov. 14, Washington State History Museum)
August Wilson’s “Pittsburgh Cycle VI: Fences”
This Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning show is the story of Troy Maxson, a trash collector who had long abandoned his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. (Feb. 6, Washington State History Museum)
Best of Seattle Comedy
Competition
Featuring past winners and finalists of the Seattle International Comedy Competition, this show guarantees laughs!
ZOOZOO
Imago Theater presents a menagerie like no other - a giant dinosaur, firefly bug eyes, hungry anteaters, hitch-hiking rabbits, introverted frogs, cantankerous polar bears, insomniac hippos and tricky penguins fill the stage with wit, wonder and mesmerizing mayhem. (Feb. 27, Pantages Theater)
“Stellaluna”
Adapted from the beloved book, Tears of Joy Theatre presents this enchanting story about a baby fruit bat that falls into a bird’s nest and wants to belong. (March 26, Theatre on the Square)
HOLIDAY FUN
“The Sound of Music” Sing-Along and 65th Annual Tree Lighting
See the original 1965 film on the big screen and join the audience in singing out great songs like “My Favorite Things” and “Climb Every Mountain.” Stick around afterward for the annual tree lighting, which officially kick off Christmas in Tacoma. (Nov. 27, Pantages Theater and Lobby)
Seattle Men’s Chorus: “Holiday Glee”
Make the yuletide gay at this annual holiday concert and sumptuous banquet of classic and not-so-traditional holiday music done in the Chorus’ inimitable style. (Dec. 2, Pantages Theater)
Zak Morgan’s Holiday Show
Cross Dr. Seuss with Shel Silverstein and add a little Mr. Rogers and you’ll get this Grammy nominated children’s entertainer in a magical holiday show. (Dec. 10, 11, 12 at Theatre on the Square)
DANCE & MORE
Yu Wei Chinese Dance Collection
Praised for exquisite artistry, this multimedia dance performance features original costumes, famous music from China, and short narrative films to interpret each dance, understand Chinese culture and describe Yu’s life story. (April 17, Rialto Theater)
Peking Acrobats: Silver Anniversary Tour
Selected from the finest acrobat schools in China, these gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists and tumblers transform 2,000-year-old disciplines into a kaleidoscope of wonder. (Jan. 9, Pantages Theater)
