MATILDA, OLIVER! and More Added to Theatre Under The Stars 2015/16 Season; Full Season Details Announced

BroadwayWorld previously reported that the Tony Award-winning musical romance THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY will be presented by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) next January. Now, TUTS has revealed more details regarding their full 2015/2016 season in Sarofim Hall at The Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. Filled with a spoonful of sugar, one small girl with extra big dreams and a show that will have you "dying" with laughter, this season is sure to hit everyone's "sweet" spot.

"As we celebrate our 48th season, I feel privileged that TUTS continues to present such quality musical theatre to Houston," says TUTS' CEO & President, John Breckenridge. "TUTS has distinguished itself both locally and nationally as a Houston institution committed to presenting incomparable musical theatre experiences."

Matilda the Musical
October 6 - 18, 2015

Winner of 50 international awards, including four Tony Awards, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway and in London's West End. The Wall Street Journal says, "The makers of Matilda have done the impossible - triumphantly! It is smart, sweet, zany and stupendous fun."

A Christmas Story
December 8 - 20, 2015

Prepare yourself for the red-blooded, two-fisted, all-American Christmas in the holiday show heralded by the Associated Press as "a charming triumph infused with utter joy." In this clever musical adaptation of the 1983 film comedy, we follow the childhood dreams and schemes of little Ralphie, whose heart is set on getting one thing and one thing only for Christmas: the official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle.

Along the way, we discover the stuff of pink nightmares (think bunny suit), the power of fishnet-clad lamps (careful, it's fra-GEE-lay), and the wintry hazards of sticking a warm tongue to a cold pole. With its narrative wit, timeless scenes, quirky innocence and nostalgic warmth, this musical trip down memory lane will leave the whole family bright-eyed and buoyant.

A Christmas Story is far and away the most fun you'll have this holiday season!

The Bridges of Madison County
January 19 - 31, 2016

2014 Tony Award Winner
for Best Original Score and Best Orchestrations

The Bridges of Madison County, one of the most romantic stories ever written, first captured the nation's attention as a best-selling novel and is now an irresistible, two time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. This stunning new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that the Daily News hails as "one of Broadway's best scores in the last decade." With a book by Pulitzer Prize Winner Marsha Norman (The Secret Garden, The Color Purple) and direction by two-time Tony winner Bartlett Sher (South Pacific, The Light in the Piazza), The Bridges of Madison County is the unforgettable story of two people caught between decision and desire, as a chance encounter becomes a second chance at so much more.

Mary Poppins
March 8 - 20, 2016

No sugar needed to help this musical go down. This "practically perfect" portrayal of Disney's Mary Poppins treats audiences of all ages to the cherished story of a very special nanny.

Armed with song, dance and trusty umbrella, Mary Poppins and her sooty sidekick, Bert, transform the unhappy world of a banker's two children into a magical new fantasyland. Full of chimney sweeps, statues that come to life, and toys that think for themselves, this wondrous, Tony Award-winning musical soars to the highest height.

In a word? Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Oliver
April 5 - 17, 2016

Consider yourself at home in this dramatic take on a classic novel - Oliver... with a twist.

Rediscover the story of a runaway orphan who finds himself in the grimly fascinating underbelly of eighteenth-century London. Befriended by the Artful Dodger and his fellow gang of youthful pickpockets, the pure-hearted Oliver is introduced to a witty, gritty world of new friends, formidable foes-and an abundance of merry mischief.

Cunning, comedic, and downright captivating, Oliver will leave you with your porridge bowl out, begging for more.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder
May 3 - 15, 2016

2014 Tony Award Winner
Best Musical

Getting away with murder can be so much fun... and there's no better proof than the knock-'em-dead hit show that's earned unanimous critical acclaim and won the 2014 Tony Award for Best Musical- A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder!

Direct from New York, where a most gentlemanly NPR critic said he'd "never laughed so hard at a Broadway musical," Gentleman's Guide tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession, by any means necessary. All the while, he's got to juggle his mistress (she's after more than just love), his fiancée (she's his cousin but who's keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance... and be done in time for tea. The Hollywood Reporter raves, "Gentleman's Guide restores our faith in musical comedy" and The New York Times cheers, "it will lift the hearts of all those who've been pining for what sometimes seems a lost art form." This new musical will have you dying with laughter!

Special Subscription Add-On: Disney's The Little Mermaid
September 10-13, 2015

Back by popular demand for 5 performances only! In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid who is tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, The Little Mermaid is back to thrill TUTS audiences! Dive on in!

TUTS' 2015/16 season is generously sponsored by CHI St. Luke's Health. For all shows, air transportation is provided by United Airlines, the official airline of TUTS. Media sponsors include ABC-13 and Houston Chronicle. Season support is funded in part by grants from the City of Houston through the Theater District Association, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Texas Commission on the Arts.

For more information about TUTS and their community initiatives, visit TUTS.com.