Orpheum Announces 2017-2018 Broadway Season; HAMILTON Confirmed for 2018-2019

Today the Orpheum Theatre Group unveiled the highly anticipated 2017-2018 Broadway Season at an announcement party at the historic Orpheum Theatre. Attendees were the first to hear about next season's exciting offerings. HAMILTON was officially announced as part of the Orpheum's 2018-2019 Broadway Season.

"This upcoming season of shows has collectively earned an impressive 21 Tony Awards," said Brett Batterson, President & CEO of the Orpheum Theatre Group. "From shows that just stepped off Broadway to award-winning revivals, this season's lineup gives you a chance to discover new favorites and to rediscover the titles you know and love."

The 2017-2018 subscription series includes Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE KING AND I, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, FINDING NEVERLAND, THE COLOR PURPLE, and SOMETHING ROTTEN! Season options include return engagements of the Spectacular New Production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and Memphis' most popular musical, WICKED. The 2017-2018 Broadway Season is generously sponsored in part by Memphis Area Honda Dealers. Subscribers for the 2017-2018 season will be first in line to secure their tickets for HAMILTON when renewing their subscription next year.

"We are so excited to host HAMILTON during our 2018-2019 Season," continued Batterson. "The best way to guarantee seats to this blockbuster show? Become a Broadway season subscriber now!"

Season tickets holders lock in the best seats at exclusive savings and enjoy perks like prepaid parking, ticket exchange and resale privileges, early access for special engagements, and a Subscriber Perks Card, which provides patrons with discounts to the Orpheum's VIP Partner businesses. Subscribers can customize their season with the Swap-A- Show program by trading any of the regular season's offerings for one of this year's special options: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and WICKED.

Current season ticket holders can renew now online, by phone, or by mail. New season ticket packages go on sale Monday, April 3rd. Group tickets will go on sale in June. Those interested in more information about season tickets should contact the Orpheum Box Office at 901-525-3000 or visitwww.orpheum-memphis.com.

The Orpheum Theatre's Official 2017-2018 Broadway Season

Sponsored in part by Memphis Area Honda Dealers

Rodgers & Hammerstein's THE KING AND I

September 19 - 24, 2017

Two worlds collide in the Lincoln Center Theater production of this "breathtaking and exquisite" (The New York Times) musical, directed by Bartlett Sher. One of Rodgers & Hammerstein's finest works, THE KING AND I boasts a score that features such beloved classics as "Getting To Know You," "I Whistle a Happy Tune," "Hello Young Lovers," "Shall We Dance" and "Something Wonderful." Set in 1860's Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. Winner of the 2015 Tony Award® for Best Musical Revival, THE KING AND I is "too beautiful to miss" (New York Magazine). www.thekinganditour.com

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

October 24 - 29, 2017

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the new Tony Award®-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl, and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war.

Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2015 season! The New York Times raves, "AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is a triumph! Pure joy!" and the Wall Street Journal declares, "Once you've seen it, you'll find it hard to settle for less ever again." Don't miss this stunning Broadway hit when it arrives in Memphis on its first national tour!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Season Option)

November 29 - December 10, 2017

Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA makes its triumphant return 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.

FINDING NEVERLAND

January 23 - 28, 2018

The winner of Broadway.com's Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash "captures the kid-at-heart," says TIME Magazine. Vogue cheers, "It's a must-see you'll remember for years to come!" Directed by visionary Tony®-winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award® winning film, FINDING NEVERLAND tells the incredible story behind one of the world's most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four Young Brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys' enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie's classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. FINDING NEVERLAND is "far and away the best musical of the year!" (NPR).

THE COLOR PURPLE

February 13 -18, 2018

THE COLOR PURPLE is the 2016 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical Revival! Hailed as "a direct hit to the heart" (The Hollywood Reporter), this joyous American classic has conquered Broadway in an all-new "ravishingly reconceived production that is a glory to behold" (The New York Times) directed by Tony winner John Doyle. With a soul-raising score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE gives an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer Prize-winning story. Don't miss this stunning re-imagining of an epic story about a young woman's journey to love and triumph in the American South. It's the musical sensation that New York Magazine calls "one of the greatest revivals ever." Experience the exhilarating power of this Tony-winning triumph!

WICKED (Season Option)

March 7-25, 2018

So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz...but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin-smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships...until the world decides to call one "good," and the other one "wicked." From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED-the untold true story of the Witches of Oz-transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story that USA Today cheers is "a complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry, and think."

SOMETHING ROTTEN!

April 10 - 15, 2018

Welcome to the '90s - the 1590s - long before the dawn of premium tickets, star casting and reminders to turn off your cell phones. Brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as "The Bard". When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world's very first MUSICAL! But amidst the scandalous excitement of Opening Night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self... and all that jazz. With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, SOMETHING ROTTEN! is an uproarious dose of pure Broadway fun and an irresistible ode to musicals - those dazzling creations that entertain us, inspire us, and remind us that everything's better with an exclamation point! From the director of Aladdin and the co-director of The Book of Mormon, SOMETHING ROTTEN! is "Broadway's big, fat hit!" (NY Post).

And coming in the 2018-2019 season....

HAMILTON

HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation's first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow's biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

About the Orpheum Theatre Group:

The mission of the Orpheum Theatre Group is to enhance the communities we serve by utilizing the performing arts to entertain, educate, and enlighten while preserving the historic Orpheum Theatre and the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education. For more information, visit www.orpheum-memphis.com.