PHANTOM, MOTOWN, KINKY BOOTS, ONCE & More Set for 2014-15 Orpheum Theatre Season!

On Saturday, March 1st, The Orpheum Theatre formally announced its much-anticipated 2014-2015 Broadway Season. The scheduled lineup includes the first national tour of the 2013 Tony® Award Winner for Best Musical KINKY BOOTS, the 2012 Tony Award winner for Best Musical ONCE, 2013 Tony nominated musical A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL, and the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL. The season also features the long-awaited return engagement of Disney's THE LION KING, and Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA.

"We are very proud to offer our patrons a season that offers both blockbuster favorites and some of the newest productions to come from the Great White Way," said Orpheum President and CEO Pat Halloran. "We always strive to bring the very best of Broadway to the Mid-South, and this magnificent season achieves that goal like never before."

The Orpheum is also pleased to announce its 2014-2015 Broadway Season Sponsor:Horseshoe Tunica.

Caesars Entertainment Regional General Manager Darold Londo said, "Horseshoe Casino & Hotel is committed to helping our community be a vibrant place to live, work, and play. Therefore, we are proud to be able to support the great work and mission of the Orpheum Theatre as it provides outstanding entertainment and education that helps to build upon the already strong culture and pride within our community."

Current Season Ticket Holders can expect to receive renewal information in the mail by mid-March and may renew for the 2014-15 Broadway Season through April 15, 2014. Season ticket packages will go on sale to the general public April 21, 2014, and for the first time, the Orpheum Theatre is pleased to offer new Season Ticket Holders the opportunity to purchase online. Those interested in more information about season tickets should contact the Orpheum Box Office at 901-525-3000 or visit www.orpheum-memphis.com.

The Orpheum Theatre's Official 2014-2015 Broadway Season

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

September 24 - October 5, 2014

Following an acclaimed sold-out tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's phenomenal musical success, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, will come to Memphis as part of a brand new North American Tour. Hailed by critics as "bigger and better than ever before," this production boasts many exciting special effects including the show's legendary chandelier, new scenic and lighting designs, new staging and choreography. The beloved story and thrilling score will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this PHANTOM one of the largest productions now on tour.

ONCE

October 28 - November 2, 2014

Winner of 8 2012 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It's an unforgettable story about going for your dreams and the power of music to connect us all.

A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL

November 25 - 30, 2014

The story takes place in 1940's Indiana, where a bespectacled boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas-a Red Ryder BB Gun. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa, and a tripledog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. Originally produced on Broadway by the film's original Ralphie, Peter Billinsgley, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL is musical comedy entertainment that captures a simpler time in America with delicious wit and a heart of gold.

Disney's THE LION KING

February 3 - March 1, 2015

Back by popular demand, experience the phenomenon of Disney's THE LION KING when Memphis' most eagerly awaited stage production ever will leap onto the Orpheum stage. Visually stunning, technically astounding and with a musical score like none other you've ever heard. See the Tony Award®-winning Broadway sensation that Newsweek calls, "a landmark event in entertainment." The New York Times states, "There is simply nothing else like it." Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by a cast of more than 40 actors. Wonder at the inspiration of award-winning director Julie Taymor, who created visual images for this show that audiences will remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice's Oscar®-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "Circle of Life."

KINKY BOOTS

May 19 - 24, 2015

KINKY BOOTS is the exhilarating Broadway musical that will lift your spirits to new high-heeled heights! Winner of six Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, this inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible... proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. Inspired by a true story, KINKY BOOTS features a joyous, Tony-winning score by CYNDI LAUPER, direction and Tony-winning choreography by JERRY MITCHELL and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner HARVEY FIERSTEIN. Join the sold-out audiences who've discovered why - sometimes - the best way to fit in is to stand out!

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

July 14 - 19, 2015

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!

About The Orpheum Theatre

The Orpheum Theatre is operated by the Memphis Development Foundation, a non-profit organization that depends on the financial support of the community to carry out its mission to foster the enjoyment and understanding of the arts in Memphis, as well as the economic prosperity of Downtown and surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.orpheum-memphis.com or call 901-525-7800. The Orpheum is located at 203 South Main Street Memphis, TN 38103.