WICKED, 'HEIGHTS', RENT & More Hits Featured in Broadway/San Diego's 2009-2010 Season

Broadway/San Diego ~ A Nederlander Presentation, announced its stellar 33rd Season of great theatre.

The company excitedly explained, "this year, more importantly than ever, theatre lives up to its promise to take us away and teach us about life, love and other cultures - whether they are in Africa, uptown Manhattan, the Ivy League or fantastic & funny alternate realities! Take an "Escapation/PLAYcation" with the entire family and discover the theatrical royalty the 2009-2010 Season offers".

"A new year and a new season brings with it the spirit of hope and anticipation; and our 2009-2010 Season of hit Broadway musicals and special attractions is certain to please everyone", said Nederlander Vice President Joe Kobryner.

"From the eternal ‘can do' attitudes of ‘UCLA cheerleading grad off-to-Harvard Law School' Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical, to the drop-dead non-stop laughter of Monty Python's Spamalot, it's a year of great fun," he remarked. "For the family, we have one of the great all-time animated classics 101 Dalmatians coming to life on stage; along with the latest in the gravity-defying gymnastic eye-popping kaleidoscope that is Cirque Dreams Illumination," Kobryner added.

"This year we are delighted to be presenting a season of great value to families, exemplified by the 2008 Tony Award-winning musical, In The Heights, a show that is a testament to the importance of family and being faithful to where you came from. The musical speaks to people of all ages and cultures," explained Diane E. Willcox, General Manager of Broadway/San Diego. "And we urge you to share the Celtic classic Riverdance one last time in their farewell performances at the Civic."

"In addition," continued Willcox, "those very popular Aussie blokes, The Ten Tenors, will brighten the holidays with a repertoire that is currently selling out in cities across Europe! North County Times called their 2005 run "Entertaining ... fun for all ages! " -- which is an apt description of our entire season - featuring the incredible, jaw-dropping Disney's The Lion King - a theatrical piece de resistance of unmatched artistry and appeal."

Broadway/San Diego's season is once again supported by sponsor San Diego County Credit Union. In regards to their ongoing sponsorship, Irene Oberbauer, President and CEO of San Diego County Credit Union, commented "San Diego County Credit Union is extremely pleased to return as season sponsor of Broadway/San Diego for the fourth consecutive year. This partnership gives us the opportunity to work hand in hand with San Diego's premier live theatre and support various non-profit organizations through our sales efforts. As San Diego's largest locally based financial institution, San Diego County Credit Union is committed to giving back to the communities where we live, work and play." 

Kobryner noted: "San Diego County Credit Union has been a staunch supporter of our work for four seasons now. We are delighted and honored to continue this relationship."

The 2009-2010 BROADWAY/SAN DIEGO SEASON,

sponsored by SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION, includes:

September 8 - 13, 2009

MUSICAL Monty Python's SPAMALOT

Civic Theatre

Winner of the 2005 Tony Award® for Best Musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and The Holy Grail." Directed by Tony Award®-winner Mike Nichols, with a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez, SPAMALOT tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up SPAMALOT. The New Yorker raved "A no-holds-barred smash hit."; The Sunday Times agrees it "Raises silliness to an art form."

Family friendly for teens and older - by the creators of Monty Python - ‘nuff said.

www.montypythonsspamalot.com

October 13 - November 8, 2009

MUSICAL Disney's THE LION KING

Civic Theatre

By popular demand, multiple award-winning Disney's THE LION KING will return to San Diego for the first time since its triumphant premiere engagement in 2005. Relive the phenomenon of Disney's THE LION KING ~ marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you'll remember forever ~ she became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony® Award for Best Director of a Musical; one of six Tonyâ Awards including Best Musical. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice's Oscarâ-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "Circle of Life." "There is simply nothing else like it," says The New York Times www.LionKingTour.com

Family friendly for all ages, special note: Disney recommends its productions for ages 6 and up.

December 8 - 13, 2009

THE TEN TENORS HOLIDAY

Civic Theatre

Internationally renowned Australian group THE TEN TENORS returns to San Diego for the holidays, featuring songs from their new album ‘Nostalgica' as well as holiday classics. THE TEN TENORS set out to capture the intimacy between themselves and the audience during live performances, whilst invoking nostalgic memories of people, places or times in history. With an unparalleled palette of repertoire, THE TEN TENORS have taken their passion for quality music and powerful singing to such venues as London's Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House, The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow; and are delighted to be sharing this latest step in the journey with San Diego audiences. Los Angeles Times says "Their sound ... is what's truly sexy ... pure electricity and undeniable drama."

Family friendly. www.thetentenors.com

SPOTLIGHT PARTNER: Brenda & Dave Rickey & Daughters Foundation

March 30 - April 4, 2010

MUSICAL LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL

Civic Theatre

It's here, and it's "An Elle Of A Show" - Time Magazine. The hilarious MGM film is now a smash hit musical, and now LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is coming to you. UCLA sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take ‘no' for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone ‘serious,' Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL will take you from the sorority house to the halls of justice with Broadway's brightest new heroine (and of course, her chihuahua, Bruiser). The verdict? This much fun shouldn't be legal! The NY Observer says LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is "Funny and smart"; WWOR-TV calls it "The funniest, most fabulous new musical!" and Bergen Record agrees "Comedy reigns! Undeniably entertaining!"

Family friendly for pre-teens and older. www.LegallyBlondeTheMusical.com

April 13 - 18, 2010

CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION
Balboa Theatre

In the spirit of the enormously successful Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, the only show of its kind to ever perform on Broadway, comes the newest stage spectacle from Cirque Dreams, created and directed by Neil Goldberg. CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION is a bustling city of incredible dreamers set in a landscape of towering buildings and infinite possibilities, created and directed by Neil Goldberg. Ablaze with lights and activities, objects and shapes transform into windows and stairways that lead beyond imagination. City dwellers collect objects that are balanced beyond belief, linemen delicately walk wires, daredevils leap tall buildings and flyers redefine the risks of flight. Everyday occurrences are transformed into astounding feats performed by an international cast of acrobatic urbanites, flexible fanatics, world-class athletes, musicians and more. This action packed Cirque Dream is enhanced with over 100 inventive costumes and set in a fantastical cityscape of dimension and special effects. A "Jaw dropping, family friendly spectacle" LA Times "Dazzling! Great family entertainment and a reason to stand up and cheer." New York Daily News

Fun and satisfying for the whole family. www.cirqueproductions.com/

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT PARTNER :

June 1 - 6, 2010

MUSICAL 101 DALMATIANS The Musical 
Civic Theatre

101 DALMATIANS The Musical is an experience for the entire family about what it means to be a family, canine and courageous. More than a simple story about good versus bad, the family bands together to overcome every hurdle and hardship in the most difficult times. Led by the creative team of Jerry Zaks (La Cage Au Folles, Smokey Joe's Cafe, "Everybody Loves Raymond"), B.T. McNicholl (Spamalot, Billy Elliot, Cabaret) and Dennis DeYoung (founding member of the rock group Styx, The Hunchback of Notre Dame); 101 DALMATIANS The Musical will transport audiences to a slightly topsy-turvy, exciting, and altogether fantastic reality that gives grand license for song, dance and spectacle in a one-of-a-kind show that will leave everyone cheering.

Fun and satisfying for the whole family.

July 27 - August 1, 2010

MUSICAL IN THE HEIGHTS

Civic Theatre

Winner of the 2008 Tony Awards® for Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Choreography.

Get ready to experience an exhilarating journey into Washington Heights, one of Manhattan's most vibrant communities. Named "The Best Musical Of The Year" by New York Magazine. IN THE HEIGHTS features an amazing cast, incredible dancing and a gripping story of hope and self-discovery. IN THE HEIGHTS is your ticket into a world 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. The New York Times calls it "A musical about chasing your dreams and finding your true home ... a singular new sensation!"

Multi-generational for ages 5-95 www.intheheightsthemusical.com

2009-2010 EXTRA SEASON EVENT:

January 5 - 10, 2010

RIVERDANCE Farewell Performances
Civic Theatre

RIVERDANCE, the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, will play eight farewell performances in San Diego. The Washington Post calls it "A phenomenon of historic proportions!" Discover why nothing in the world compares to The Original International Phenomenon; now entering its 14th year in 2009! Whether it's your first time or your fifth, you won't want to miss these farewell performances of RIVERDANCE! The London Times calls it "A family evening unlike anything else!" www.riverdance.com

Fun for the entire family.

2008-2009 REMAINING SEASON AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED:

March 3 - 8, 2009

MUSICAL GREASE
Civic Theatre

The one that you want is back, and "American Idol" Season Five winner Taylor Hicks stars as "Teen Angel" in the first national tour of GREASE^TM, Time Magazine's 2007 pick for "#1 musical of the year"! Taylor Hicks debuted on Broadway in the role last summer; after achieving widespread fame in 2006 on FOX's hugely successful "American Idol." Take a trip to a simpler time of poodle skirts, drive-ins, and T-birds. "Bad boy" Danny and "the girl next door" Sandy fall in love all over again to the tune of your favorite songs: "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'" and "We Go Together" as well as additional songs from the hit movie: "Grease," "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "You're the One That I Want."

For most ages, some mature themes. www.greaseonbroadway.com

April 21 - 26, 2009

RAIN - A Tribute To The Beatles

Balboa Theatre
From Ed Sullivan to Abbey Road! - They look like them and they sound just like them! "The next best thing to seeing The Beatles," raves the Denver Post. All the music and vocals are performed totally live. RAIN covers the Fab Four from the earliest beginnings through the psychedelic late 60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days. RAIN is a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience...a fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s lights up video screens and live cameras zoom in for close-ups. "A thrilling bit of time-warping nostalgia...Boomer Heaven!" raves The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. "Uncanny! RAIN are a quartet of fine musicians in their own right...as The Beatles, they triumph!" cheers the Boston Herald. "An adoring Valentine to The Beatles," declares the Washington Post. Sing along with your family and friends to such Beatlemaniac favorites as "Let It Be," "Hey Jude," "My Guitar Gently Weeps," "Come Together" and "Can't Buy Me Love."

For music lovers of all ages. www.raintribute.com

May 5 - 10, 2009

TUNA DOES VEGAS

Balboa Theatre

The latest in the quartet of laugh-out-loud, bust-a-gut comedies (Greater Tuna, Red White And Tuna and A Tuna Christmas) from the minds of creators and stars Tony Award® -nominated Jaston Williams and Joe Sears, who portray all of the wacky citizens of Tuna, the third smallest town in Texas. This time they're on the road to Vegas, with their friends Bertha Bumiller, Arles Struvie, Inita Goodwin, Helen Bedd, Petey Fisk and the inimitable Vera Carp and Pearl Burras. Vegas offers a whole new world of exotic dancers, rent-a-bridesmaids and Elvis impersonators for these hilarious comedians to delight us with! Once this hilarious crowd of crazies attack Sin City, what happens in Vegas, should definitely stay in Vegas!

Mild adult content. www.greatertuna.com

 

June 2 - 7, 2009

Dame Edna LIVE: My First Last Tour

Civic Theatre

Following the success of The Royal Tour and Back with a Vengeance, Dame Edna Everage - International Housewife, Therapist, Gigastar, Fashion Icon, Guru and Swami - brings Dame Edna Live - My First Last Tour to her adoring and loyal audiences. She will display her unique genius with a new and vibrantly stimulating theatrical infrastructure, addressing an exciting range of cutting edge comedy solutions. Dame Edna has been revealing her Entertainment Solutions for nine years, and never have Americans needed to laugh, cry and give standing ovations as much as they do today. Dame Edna's performances have won a Tony Award® and one Tony® Nomination and countless critical awards.

Saucy Dame Edna is full of adult double entendres. http://www.dame-edna.com/

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT PARTNER :

July 14 - 19, 2009

MUSICAL FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Civic Theatre

Never has any other musical so magically woven music, dance, poignancy and laughter into such an electrifying and unforgettable experience. Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, and starring the inimitable Topol in his signature role, Fiddler On The Roof has been lauded by critics again and again, and won the hearts of people all around the world. Filled with a rousing, heartwarming score, which includes "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were A Rich Man" and "Sunrise, Sunset," Fiddler On The Roof is a timeless classic. Relive a glorious tradition of the musical theatre with Fiddler On The Roof.

For the entire family. http://www.fiddlerontour.com/

 

July 29 - August 30, 2009

WICKED

Civic Theatre

Back by "Popular" Demand. The NY Times calls WICKED "Broadway's biggest blockbuster," and when it first played San Diego in 2006, it broke box office records and sold out in record time. Winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards®; the SD Union-Tribune said "WICKED delights a spellbound audience ... clever ... wonderful'; and the North County Times agreed "Spectacular, entertaining ... worth the wait ... engaging, clever and funny ... magical." Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for "the most complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time" - USA Today. Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED, winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Tickets on sale now through season tickets and group sales only.

www.wickedthemusical.com

 

2008-2009 EXTRA SEASON EVENTS:

March 10 - 15, 2009

MUSICAL RENT

Civic Theatre
Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, stars of the original Broadway production and film adaptation of Rent, reprise the roles they made famous in this exciting new tour! Joining Pascal and Rapp are original "Seasons of Love" soloist Gwen Stewart and an ensemble of performers who have appeared on Broadway in Rent including Nicolette Hart (Maureen), Justin Johnston (Angel), Michael McElroy (Tom Collins), Jacques C. Smith (Benny) and Haneefah Wood (Joanne). Don't miss the show that transformed how a generation feels about musicals, changed Broadway forever, and inspired a major motion picture. Whether it's your 1st time or your 100th time, it's time you checked out Rent! www.siteforrent.com

Mature subject matter and language.

 

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How to SUBSCRIBE to SEASON TICKETS for the BROADWAY/SAN DIEGO 2009-2010 SEASON

Current Season Ticket Holders will be e-mailed special notification of how to subscribe online and will receive a renewal packet by mail. Renewing online saves time and up to $14 per subscription. Exclusive privileges offered to Season Ticket Subscribers include priority seating before the general public; the opportunity to "Swap One" show for another (brand new privilege!); Ticket Exchange for another performance of the same production (by phone for a nominal fee or in person for free); special Season Ticket Courtesy Days to exchange and/or purchase additional discounted tickets; discounts to downtown and Gaslamp Quarter restaurants; a personalized Account and Online Season Ticket Resource Center to manage tickets online. Subscribers also have the assurance that tickets were purchased from the official source; avoiding the markups and ticket issues common with unauthorized ticket agencies.

 

BROADWAY/SAN DIEGO offers a wide range of SEASON TICKET PACKAGES

FULL SEASON CLASSIC 7 includes the full roster of seven shows with guaranteed same day of the week/same seat locations for every show. SEE 6 allows you to opt out of any one show of your choice while retaining all the benefits of a Full Season Classic 7 subscriber. Subscribers receive top priority to renew the same seat locations and even upgrade them year after year. FLEX allows you to create a custom package with ultimate flexibility - choose any 3 or more shows and get all the benefits of other season ticket subscribers. See only the shows you want; at any seating price level and day of the week - even a different level and day for each show.

 

SUPER SAVER TUESDAY, back by popular demand; allows season ticket subscribers to save up to 33% off of other weeknight prices when you purchase your Tuesday night ticket package.

 

A NEW BENEFIT for season ticket subscribers is SWAP ONE ~ because schedules are busy and preferences vary from the packages we are offering; all new Classic season ticket holders may substitute ONE show in the Classic 7 or See 6 packages with ANY show still available in the 08-09 or 09-10 Season.

 

A PRESIDENT'S CLUB PACKAGE for four lets you indulge yourself and your friends, family or clients with The Ultimate Theatre-going Experience; membership is available at four levels of benefits: Executive, Premier, Imperial and Spotlight Partner. Its unique benefits include front and center orchestra seats; personal service; VIP entrance to the theatre; your name or company name in show program and lobby; and access to VIP seats to all Broadway/San Diego events. Premier level and above adds free reserved parking and Opening night cast parties; Imperial level and above receive autographed and framed show posters and access to priority seats at any Nederlander theatre worldwide, including Broadway; and Spotlight Partner level involves you with all the marketing of a Broadway show! Additional benefits at certain levels include free ticket exchange, 20 complimentary tickets to one performance; and dinner for four at select restaurants. Four person memberships start at $2,995. For more information call Sarah Jordan at (619) 564-3018 or visit us at BroadwaySD.com today.

Members of the general public can go to www.broadwaysd.com and purchase season ticket packages.

For ticket information for all shows, visit BroadwaySD.com.

For group discounts to most productions, call (619) 564-3001.

Most Broadway/San Diego performances run Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with Saturday and Sunday matinees. Post-performance chat-backs with members of the cast/company follow most Wednesday evening performances. Ticket onsale dates to the general public tbd.

The productions of WICKED, Disney's THE LION KING; Monty Python'sSPAMALOT; THE TEN TENORS HOLIDAY; LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL;101 DALMATIANS The Musical; IN THE HEIGHTS; RIVERDANCE; GREASE, Dame Edna LIVE: My First Last Tour, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and RENT will be presented at the Civic Theatre, 3rd & B Street, downtown San Diego.

RAIN - A Tribute To The Beatles, TUNA DOES VEGAS and CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION will be presented at the Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Avenue, downtown San Diego.

Visit Broadway/San Diego on the Internet at BroadwaySD.com