Fulton Theatre Announces 2017/2018 Season

The nationally regarded Fulton Theatre is thrilled to announce the 2017/2018 Season which includes the Premiere Mainstage Series, The Ellen Arnold Groff Studio Series in the Tell Studio Theatre, and the Eichmann Family Series. The season will follow an unprecedented season of record-breaking productions. Next season will continue to welcome returning and new audiences to distinctive high-caliber productions that continue the Fulton tradition of "Engaging Life Through Art."

The Fulton Theatre's 2017/2018 season will include a Pennsylvania premiere, four other Fulton premieres and the return of an Agatha Christie fan favorite. The Ellen Arnold Groff Studio Series, now in its third season, continues to expand and will now offer four selections, including a ten week run of a musical. The popular Eichmann Family Series again will offer four shows that are ideal for the entire family. The 2017/2018 season opens with the mainstage series on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, with the comedy-thriller Little Shop of Horrors.

Fulton Theatre's 2017/2018 Season

Little Shop of Horrors, The Musical
September 19 - October 15, 2017

Book by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith

A psychedelic comedy thriller from the Academy® Award-winning musical team that brought you Disney's Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid and Aladdin begins just in time for Halloween! Working on skid row presents its own challenges, but Seymour is also secretly in love with his co-worker Audrey and he would do anything to get her attention and gain her affection. When he stumbles upon an unusual plant, he affectionately names Audrey II, life as he knows it will never be the same. Audrey II (the plant) becomes a sensation and Seymour wins fame, fortune and finally the admiration of Audrey (the girl). Just as Audrey (the girl) escapes the abuse of her sadistic dentist boyfriend, she finds herself trapped yet again. Feed your need for musical hilarity with this delicious gem, but whatever you do, DO NOT FEED THE PLANT!

A Christmas Story, The Musical

November 14 - December 31, 2017

Book by Joseph Robinett
Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul

A Christmas extravaganza, with plenty of dance to energize your holiday season! It's not sugarplums dancing in Ralphie's head; it's a Red Ryder air rifle! A Christmas Story, The Musical is a clever and humorous adaptation of the hit film that became an instant classic in the early 80s and had everyone echoing "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!" On a desperate quest to prove to his mother, teacher and even Santa that he is responsible enough to be the proud owner of this Christmas wish, Ralphie isn't going to let any opposition stop him from getting what he wants, including the schoolyard bullies! Bundled with all of your favorite film moments, fans will rejoice as they relive the triple-dog-dare flag pole incident, the worst Christmas present ever ( pink bunny pajamas) and the FRA-GEE-LAY top prize (leg lamp). A Christmas Story, The Musical hits the bullseye for holiday family fun!

Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap
January 16 - February 11, 2018

By Agatha Christie

From the best-selling author of all time and the Dame of murder-mystery storytelling, Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap holds the world record for the longest running production, mesmerizing audiences for over sixty years. To the tune of "Three Blind Mice," will it be one-two-three murders? Christie weaves a clever and suspenseful 1950s whodunit, which leaves even the most impressive gumshoe guessing. Monkswell Manor welcomes five strangers in midst of a snowstorm and on the heels of a murder in town. When the second victim is found in the Manor, everyone becomes a suspect and hidden identities and motives are revealed. Will the identity of the murderer be revealed before they strike again?! The Mousetrap's riveting plot will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish!

Guys and Dolls
March 6 - March 31, 2018

Book by Abe Burrows and Jo Swerling
Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser

The bright lights of Broadway and the Fulton's signature dance sensation of the season! "Luck Be a Lady," the signature song of Frank Sinatra, was first written by Frank Loesser for the show some call the perfect musical comedy, Guys and Dolls. Love is a game of chance, especially amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City and Gamester Nathan Detroit's focus on his next big payoff, which could cost him the love of his life. Showgirl Adelaide's frustration with getting Nathan to marry her continues to grow, but will she take a gamble on him anyway? Nathan, trying to make a quick grand for his next craps game, bets another compulsive gambler to woo a missionary doll for $1,000. Bustling with deception, wit, reviving the soul, and gambling on love, the Tony Award-winning Guys and Dolls is set to a golden era score including "Luck Be a Lady," "Sit Down You're Rocking the Boat," and "I've Never Been in Love Before."

Million Dollar Quartet

April 17 - May 20, 2018

Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux
Original Concept and Direction by Floyd Mutrux
Inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins

Elvis Presley... Johnny Cash... Jerry Lee Lewis... Carl Perkins, a historic quartet, brought together by an extraordinary twist of fate on a December evening in 1956. This meeting at Sun Records would become one of the greatest jam sessions ever! Based on a true story, the Tony® Award-winning hit-sensation, Million Dollar Quartet brings that momentous occasion to vibrant life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations that is both poignant and funny. Relive the era through the Billboard genres of rock 'n' roll, gospel, R&B and country with an unbelievable score and unforgettable numbers that every generation knows, including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "Walk the Line," "Great Balls of Fire," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Hound Dog," and many more.

Hunchback of Notre Dame

June 5 - July 22, 2018

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Book by Peter Parnell

A Pennsylvania Premiere! On the grand and opulent scale of Disney's Beauty and the Beast arises another epic production to the Fulton's stage, with a cast of 56 and a triumphant chorus of 36; The Hunchback of Notre Dame will mesmerize with its majestic sets and its incredibly touching story. From Academy Award-winning composer and lyrist, Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, who individually created Broadway and Film hits such as Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Disney's Newsies, Disney's The Little Mermaid and Pippin, Pocahontas and Wicked, comes a brand new collaboration that has been called a "Brilliant Miracle."

The musical begins as the bells of Notre Dame resound through the famed cathedral in 15th-century Paris. Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer who longs to be "Out There," observes all of Paris reveling in the Feast of Fools. Held captive by his devious caretaker, the archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, he escapes for the day and joins the boisterous crowd, only to be treated cruelly by all but the beautiful gypsy, Esmeralda. Quasimodo isn't the only one captivated by her free spirit, though - the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As the three vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies - and it's up to Quasimodo to save them all. A sweeping score and powerful story make The Hunchback of Notre Dame an instant classic. You will be captivated by the magic of this truly unforgettable musical.

Ellen Arnold Groff Studio Series

Sleuth
October 3 - October 29, 2017
By Anthony Shaffer

A Tony Award-winning mystery thriller. Andrew Wyle, acclaimed detective story writer, invites his wife's lover and adversary to his English home for the deal of a lifetime. A plot which involves a jewelry heist, insurance fraud and the ultimate revenge turns into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game. This Tony Award-winning whodunit often referred to as one of the greatest stage thrillers, will keep you guessing until the end!

The Irish and How They Got That Way

January 23 - March 17, 2018
By Frank McCort

The Tell Studio Theatre will be turned into a working Irish pub for this jovial musical. Everyone knows about "The Irish." They're the people who live life to the fullest - indulging lustily in good song and good humor (and sometimes even raising a glass or two). So what's so great about being Irish? Find out in this moving, uplifting, eye-opening musical history lesson full of charm and a bit of blarney. Don't miss this raucous celebration of all things Irish from the acclaimed author of Angela's Ashes.

Blackbird
April 3 - April 22, 2018
By David Harrower

An explosive Tony Award-winning drama about confronting the past. Fifteen years after a forbidden relationship between Ray, then 40, and Una, then 12, ended, she shows up unannounced at his office door. He becomes unhinged and she is ready to take back her power. Raw emotions ignite and their lives are forever changed as they are both forced to face their personal demons.

Red
May 8 - May 27, 2018
by John Logan

Famed abstract painter Mark Rothko was quoted saying that he wanted to express "basic human emotions - tragedy, ecstasy, doom...The people who weep before my pictures are having the same religious experience I had when I painted them." The Tony Award-winning Red delves into this creative genius' mind during the late 1950s when he asked his assistant Ken, "What do you see?" when referring to his latest work. After Ken builds up the confidence, the two challenge each other on "What is Art," and the notion of "Who gets to decide anyway?"

Eichmann Family Series

The Nutcracker

November 25 - December 23, 2017

Book, Music and Lyrics by Marc Robin and Curt Dale Clark

One of the Fulton's most popular Family Theatre Series productions is back for the holidays. Follow the journey of the heroic Nutcracker as he tries to reclaim the magic crown from the Evil Mouse King. Travel through the magical land of sweets. Watch as an enchanted jack-in-the-box springs to life, tap-dancing penguins back up a very cool Snow Princess and meet the wondrous Sugar Plum Fairy. The magic of Christmas comes alive in this joyous musical adaptation of the classis holiday story by E.T.A. Hoffmann.

The Three Little Pigs
March 17 - April 7

Music by George Stiles, Book and Lyrics by Anthony Drewe

When the pigpen starts to look like a real sty, Mama says it's time to leave and build something new. Help Cha, Siu and Bao watch for wolves while they use hay, sticks and bricks to make it in a big, bad world.

From Stiles and Drewe, the award-winning musical team behind Honk! and Broadway's Mary Poppins, comes The Three Little Pigs, a "very curly musical tail" that is perfect for the whole family! This new version of the classic story is full of catchy songs, clever rhymes and silly charm, but also has some very smart things to say about home and family. The Three Little Pigs teaches little ones how success can be achieved through hard work and perseverance.

Filled with humor, this endearing tale will leave you squealing with glee and howling with laughter!

The Emperor's New Clothes
April 28 - May 19, 2018

Music by Stephen Flaherty, Book and Lyrics Lynn Ahrens

The imaginative creators of Seussical, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, bring one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved tales to life in The Emperor's New Clothes.

Fourteen-year-old Emperor Marcus the Third is nervous to take the throne. Deciding that he can only gain confidence by dressing in the finest attire, Marcus commands his Royal Clothes maker to fashion him in the most royal wardrobe. Taking advantage of Marcus' uncertainty and immaturity, a Swindler promises to make magic clothes that are "invisible to fools, liars, and anyone you should ignore," for a large and hefty price. Only Arno, the simple-hearted mop boy, can help Marcus out of this royal mess and teach him an important lesson about outward appearance. This winsome musical is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Aladdin
June 16 - July 21, 2018

Book, Music and Lyrics by Marc Robin and Curt Dale Clark

Aladdin is a poor street urchin who desperately wants to be a prince so that he can marry the beautiful Princess Zenovia. In this zany version of the time honored tale, you'll meet a very helpful pet monkey, the evil wizard Malaki who wants to rule the land, and a fast-talking female genie who bestows three important wishes - and lots of comical commentary. In the end, Aladdin learns that believing in himself is the powerful wish he had all along.

Subscriptions to the Mainstage, Ellen Arnold Groff Studio Series, and Eichmann Family Series are on sale now. Single tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, July 25, 2017. The Fulton performs in the historic landmark theatre located at 12 North Prince Street in Lancaster, PA. For more information or to purchase tickets call 717.397.7425 or visit TheFulton.org.

About Fulton Theatre:
The Fulton first opened its doors in 1852. 165 years later, this national historic landmark theatre continues to entertain, educate and delight audiences, bringing live theatre, music, and more than 120,000 patrons into downtown Lancaster annually. Since its inception, some of the brightest stars of theatre, music and film have appeared on its stage, including Sarah Bernhardt, Mark Twain, Lionel Barrymore, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, W.C. Fields, George M. Cohan, Treat Williams and Lancaster's own Jonathan Groff.

Today, under the leadership of Executive Artistic Producer Marc Robin, the Fulton Theatre produces a mix of comedies, dramas and musicals, employing the talents of professional directors, designers, playwrights from across the country. The Fulton also offers classes for children, teens and adults as well as numerous community engagement programs across the region.