Philly's Kimmel Center Sets Dates for Spamalot, Scissorhands

Broadway shows, West End-born productions, and spectacular family entertainment will usher in the upcoming 2006-2007 Kimmel Center Presents Broadway at the Academy theater season. The new subscription season at the Philadelphia performing arts center will feature four national touring productions, and five more additional shows for the entire family.

Highlights of the 2006-2007 Broadway subscription season will include: I Can't Stop Loving You (Sept. 26-Oct. 1, 2006); Edward Scissorhands (Jan. 16-21, 2007); Monty Python's Spamalot (subscription week March 20-25); and Pippin (dates to be announced).

Additional Broadway at the Academy shows will include: Dorothy The Dinosaur's Dance Party (Sept. 16 & 17, 2006); Disney Live! (Nov. 24 & 25, 2006); The Beatles Experience, performed by Rain (Jan. 4 7, 2007); Annie (March 1 4, 2007) and Riverdance (May 15 20, 2007).

"The success of the Kimmel's 2005-2006 Broadway season was highlighted by the premieres of two Broadway blockbusters--the national tours of Wicked, opening at the Academy of Music this month, March 22-April 9, 2006 and Disney's The Lion King, coming to the Academy this summer, June 8-September 10, 2006," state press notes. Last years 2005-06 Broadway at the Academy series reached a subscription milestone, setting a record breaking acheivement of 10,000 subscribers for the first time in its history.

The Tony Award-winning Best Musical of 2005, Monty Python's Spamalot will highlight the Academy's new Broadway season. "The outrageous new musical comedy --- sold-out since it opened last spring -- has remained the hottest ticket on Broadway and continues to break box office records. Directed by Mike Nichols, Spamalot features a book by Eric Idle, based on the screenplay of Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Monty Python creators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin, with music and lyrics by Eric Idle and John Du Prez. Casey Nicholaw is the choreographer. The winner of three 2005 Tony Awards including Best Musical and Best Director, Spamalot also received the Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle awards for best musical."

"Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table, and their quest for the Holy Grail, Spamalot features a chorus line of dancing divas and knights, flatulent Frenchmen, flying cows, killer rabbits and one legless knight.

Edward Scissorhands, "a magical new stage adaptation of the classic Tim Burton motion picture, is a treat for the whole family. Directed by Matthew Bourne with the musical score penned by award-winning composer Danny Elfman, this touching and witty Gothic fairytale tells the story of a boy created by an eccentric inventor who dies leaving him along and unfinished. Left with only scissors for hands, Edward must find his place in a world where the well-meaning community around him struggles to see past his appearance to the innocence and gentleness within."

The internationally-acclaimed Bourne recently choreographed the new hit musical, Mary Poppins. A five time Olivier award winner, he is also the creator of the worlds longest-running ballet production and is the only British director to have won the Tony Award for Best Director and Best Choreographer of a Musical --- in 1999 for Swan Lake.

Direct from London's West End, I Can't Stop Loving You (September 26 October 21, 2006) is the new smash-hit celebration of the music of Ray Charles. "This high energy production broke box office records during its London engagement and features a non-stop parade of the singer/pianists greatest songs, played and sung at full volume. Charles' music is brought to life with a swinging 12 piece on-stage orchestra, along with superb dance choreography by a talented cast with gyrating hips, flashing legs, and knockout energy. The collection of legendary tunes includes 'Georgia,' 'Hit the Road Jack,' 'What'd I Say,' 'America the Beautiful,' 'Unchain My Heart,' and many more."

"Composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz introduces a hip, updated stage version of Pippin (dates to be announced), the anachronistic fairy tale that has captivated Broadway audiences and continues to appeal to the young at heart everywhere. The new production features an energetic pop-influenced score by three-time Oscar-winning composer Schwartz, featuring one showstopping number after another. from soaring ballads to infectious dance numbers. With genius choreography by original director/choreographer Bob Fosse, Pippin is a splashy, dance-driven spectacle which includes some of the most brilliant staging in Broadway history."
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Broadway at the Academy subscribers are offered a vareity of exclusive privileges including the first opportunity to select the best seats in the house and the option to renew these seats every year. Subscribers are also entitled to discounts of up to 20% on additional Broadway at the Academy shows and Kimmel Center Presents performances, in addition to up to 50% savings for senior, student and kids club subscription packages. Pre-paid discounted parking, a special 50/50 payment plan, restaurant and retail discounts are also available to subscribers. A flexible ticket exchange program allows subscribers to exchange tickets for another performance of the same show.

The Broadway at the Academy Kids Club allows young subscribers to attend subscription performances for up to 50% off. Young theater-goers will receive a free Broadway Kids Club t-shirt, certificate, and invitations to special events such as themed dinners and cast meet & greets.

Subscription ticket prices for the 2006-2007 season range from $87.75 to $400. To order tickets or for more information on subscription packages call 215-893-1955 or visit www.kimmelcenter.org/broadway. To order, call 215-731-3333 or visit the website. Groups of 20 or more call 215-790-5883. Single tickets will go on sale at a later date.