IN THE HEIGHTS, AIDA & More Set for Moonlight's 2017 Summer Season

Steven Glaudini, producing artistic director of Moonlight Stage Productions, announces the 2017 season at the Moonlight Amphitheatre. For the theatre's 37th year, the company's offerings are all new to its stage, with the San Diego Regional Premieres of Disney's "The Little Mermaid," and Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Sunset Boulevard," along the Moonlight premieres of Elton John's "Aida" and Lin-Manuel Miranda's "In the Heights." ??"As we have done for the past three seasons, the Moonlight continues its quest to bring audiences musicals that are fresh off of Broadway or that are new to its stage," said Glaudini. "All four shows are making their Moonlight debuts and are a wonderful mix of musical styles ranging from pop, traditional melodies and ballads, to hip-hop and salsa. The season truly offers a musical style for all to experience."

As of June 15, 2016, the 37th season schedule has been set and includes the following productions:

?"Aida"?
Music by Elton John
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang?June 14 - July 1, 2017 - Moonlight Premiere
Opening Night: Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Moonlight Amphitheatre

The triumphant love story between an Egyptian prince and a slave transcends warring nations and brings a country together. Winner of four 2000 Tony Awards, Elton John and Tim Rice's "Aida" is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love. As their forbidden love blossoms, Aida is forced to weigh her heart against the responsibility she faces as leader of her people. The love Aida and Radames has for one another becomes a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. With an unforgettable score featuring soaring ballads and rousing choral numbers, ?"Aida" is a rock version of the Verdi opera.

"The Little Mermaid"?
Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright?Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements
Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions
July 19 - Aug. 5, 2017 - San Diego Regional Premiere
Opening Night: Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Moonlight Amphitheatre

?Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's "The Little Mermaid" is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," and "Part of Your World." Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human, Prince Eric, in the world above and bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But, the bargain is not what it seems and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

"Sunset Boulevard"?
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
?Book and Lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton
?Based on the Billy Wilder Film?
Aug. 16 - Sept. 2, 2017 - San Diego Regional Premiere
Opening Night: Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017
Moonlight Amphitheatre

?"Sunset Boulevard" weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. Silent movie star, Norma Desmond, longs for a return to the big screen, having been discarded by tinsel town with the advent of "talkies." Her glamour has faded in all but her mind. When she meets struggling Hollywood screen-writer Joe Gillis in dramatic circumstances, their subsequent passionate and volatile relationship leads to an unforeseen and tragic conclusion. Based on the film noir classic by Billy Wilder that starred Gloria Swanson and William Holden, it received seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and features some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most soaring melodies including, "With One Look" and "As If We Never Said Goodbye."

"In the Heights"?
Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda
?Book by Quiara Alegría Hudes?
Conceived By Lin-Manuel Miranda
Sept. 13 - 30, 2017 - Moonlight Premiere
Opening Night: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017
Moonlight Amphitheatre

?From Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the current Broadway hit "Hamilton," "In the Heights" tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York's Washington Heights neighborhood - a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It's a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. "In the Heights" is the winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations.