RENT 20th Anniversary Tour, WICKED & More Set for Broadway Grand Rapids' 2016-17 Season

DeVos Performance Hall will be alive with the sounds of music in the 2016-17 BGR season. Kicking off the season is Tony Award® winning musical, Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA, a family favorite with some new twists! Also in the season line-up will be the brand new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O'Brien, marking the 50 year anniversary of the beloved musical movie. Featuring more than 40 classic hits, MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy's journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul, will come to Grand Rapids in May of 2017. DIRTY DANCING- THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE will complete the season in June.

The Broadway Grand Rapids subscription series is sponsored by Fifth Third Bank.

In addition, Broadway Grand Rapids will present two special events next season. A holiday movie favorite, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL will be on stage for 5 performances between Christmas and New Year's. The 20th Anniversary Tour of RENT will visit Grand Rapids for 3 performances in March.

Broadway Grand Rapids season ticket holders will have first access to the Grand Rapids premiere of WICKED, Broadway's biggest blockbuster, scheduled for the Fall of the 2017-18 season.

All performances, subscription shows and special events alike will be presented at DeVos Performance Hall in downtown Grand Rapids.

SUBSCRIPTION SERIES

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN'S CINDERELLA

September 27-October 2, 2016
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 7:30pm; Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday at 2pm & 7:30pm; Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm
DeVos Performance Hall

Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA is the Tony Award®-winning musical from the creators of South Pacific and The Sound of Music that's delighting audiences with its surprisingly contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love- the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more-plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/ It's Possible" and "Ten Minutes Ago" in this hilarious and romantic experience for anyone who's ever had a dream.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

February 21-26, 2017
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 7:30pm; Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm & 8pm; Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm DeVos Performance Hall

THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! A brand new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC, directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Jack O'Brien, is coming to Grand Rapids. The beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including "My Favorite Things," "Edelweiss" and the title song. 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the film version, which continues to be the most successful movie musical in history.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

May 2-7, 2017
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 7:30pm; Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm & 8pm; Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm DeVos Performance Hall

Featuring more than 40 classic hits such as "My Girl" and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," MOTOWN THE MUSICAL tells the story behind the hits as Diana, Smokey, Berry and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat.

DIRTY DANCING- THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE

June 6-11, 2017
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 7:30pm; Friday at 8pm; Saturday at 2pm & 8pm; Sunday at 1pm & 6:30pm DeVos Performance Hall

DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs, "Hungry Eyes," "Hey Baby," "Do You Love Me?" and the heart-stopping "(I've Had) The Time of My Life." Don't miss your chance to see this record-breaking live theatre sensation. You'll have the time of your life!

SPECIAL EVENTS

A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL

December 27-30, 2016
Tuesday at 7:30pm; Wednesday at 2pm and 7:30 pm; Thursday at 7:30 pm; Friday 7:30 pm DeVos Performance Hall

Don't miss the highlight of the holiday season; A Christmas Story, The Musical as it comes to hilarious life on stage! Based on the perennial holiday movie favorite, the story takes place in 1940s Indiana, where a bespectacled boy named Ralphie has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa, and a triple dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream.

RENT: THE 20th ANNIVERSARY TOUR

March 14-16, 2017
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 pm DeVos Performance Hall

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway... and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson's RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns in a vibrant 20th anniversary production. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, RENT reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters- love.

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW

The four-show subscription package includes: Cinderella, The Sound of Music, Motown the Musical and Dirty Dancing. Season packages offer savings of up to 30% off individual ticket prices and advance ticket purchasing before the general public for all presentations. Broadway GR offers easy payment plans, free lost-ticket replacement, no-fee ticket exchanges, personalized service, exclusive privileges, and the same reserved seats for each show. The 4-show Subscription Series package price ranges from $129 to $306, depending on seating section and performance day and time. The 2016-2017 Subscription Series may be renewed or purchased from Broadway Grand Rapids by calling 616-235-6285, in person at 122 Lyon Street NW in downtown Grand Rapids, by mail using the order form which can be downloaded from the BGR website or using the ONLINE ordering system at www.broadwaygrandrapids.com . BGR office hours are 9 to 5 Monday through Thursday, and 9 to 4 on Fridays. The subscription renewal deadline is Friday, May 15, 2016.

To receive exclusive pre-sale offers and discounts on upcoming shows sign up for the BGR Eclub at www.BroadwayGrandRapids.com/Eclub.