'NEVERLAND,' CABARET & More Set for Broadway in Atlanta's 2016-17 Season

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a show-stopping flight of theatrical delight! Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta announced today the first-class series of Broadway hits for its 2016/2017 season at the Fox Theatre. Next season's lineup will feature Atlanta debuts of THE ILLUSIONISTS; Time Magazine's #1 Show of the Year, MATILDA THE MUSICAL; Roundabout Theatre Company's CABARET; AN AMERICAN IN PARIS; A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL; THE BODYGUARD; and FINDING NEVERLAND, as well as returning audience favorites available as season options: the spectacular new production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, RIVERDANCE, THE LITTLE MERMAID and MAMMA MIA!, now in its final Broadway Tour.

"This year we're jet-setting Atlanta audiences around the globe!" said Russ Belin, Vice President of Broadway in Atlanta. "The upcoming season is a collection of hit Broadway shows set in cities all over the world, and we're bringing them direct to Peachtree Street. Atlanta audiences are in for a theatrical treat!"

THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY

September 27 - October 2, 2016

Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages with a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth.

CABARET

November 1 - 6, 2016

Direct from Broadway, the acclaimed masterpiece is set to debut in Atlanta! As part of their 50th Anniversary Season, the critically acclaimed and award-winning Roundabout Theatre Company is proud to present Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty) and Rob Marshall's (Into the Woods and Chicago, the films) Tony Award-winning production of CABARET.

Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including "Cabaret," "Willkommen" and "Maybe This Time." Leave your troubles outside - life is beautiful at CABARET, John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff's Tony-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses its way.

A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL

November 29 - December 4, 2016

Based on the classic 1983 movie, A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL, nominated for three 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical, comes to hilarious life on stage! Set in 1940s Indiana, a bespectacled Ralphie Parker has a big imagination and one wish for Christmas. A kooky leg lamp, outrageous pink bunny pajamas, a cranky department store Santa and a triple dog-dare to lick a freezing flagpole are just a few of the obstacles that stand between Ralphie and his Christmas dream. The Associated Press calls A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL "a joyous Christmas miracle," while The New York Times writes "I was dazzled. You'd have to have a Grinch-sized heart not to feel a smile spreading across your face."

THE LITTLE MERMAID*

January 12 - 15, 2017

*Season Option

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. Joining her are Sebastian, Ariel's crabby sidekick; Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King of the Sea and the handsome and human Prince Eric. Based on the Disney animated film and hit Broadway musical, THE LITTLE MERMAID is returning to Atlanta's Fox Theatre. So dive on in! Life is the bubbles, under the sea!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA*

February 22 - March 5, 2017

*Season Option

Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will return to Atlanta as part of a brand new North American Tour. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is "bigger and better than ever before" and features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Paule Constable, newchoreography by Scott Ambler, and new staging by director Laurence Connor. The production, overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, boasts many exciting special effects including the show's legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score - with songs like "Music of the Night," "All I Ask Of You," and "Masquerade" - will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this PHANTOM one of the largest productions now on tour.

THE BODYGUARD

March 28 - April 2, 2017

The award-winning musical based on the smash hit film, starring Grammy Award-nominee and R&B superstar DEBORAH COX! Former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don't expect is to fall in love. A breathtakingly romantic thriller, THE BODYGUARD features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, So Emotional, One Moment in Time, Saving All My Love, Run to You, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody and one of the biggest selling songs of all time - I Will Always Love You.

Based on Lawrence Kasdan's Oscar-nominated Warner Bros. film, which starred Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, and adapted by Academy Award-winner (Birdman) Alexander Dinelaris, THE BODYGUARD had its world premiere in London's West End where it was nominated for four Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and won Best New Musical at the Whatsonstage Awards.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL

April 18 - 23, 2017

TIME Magazine's #1 Show of the Year! 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 THE MUSICAL continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway, in London's West End, and in Sydney, Australia. The Wall Street Journal says, "The makers of MATILDA have done the impossible - triumphantly! It is smart, sweet, zany and stupendous fun."

RIVERDANCE*

May 5 - 7, 2017

*Season Option

RIVERDANCE - The 20th Anniversary World Tour is an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures. Each Riverdance touring company consists of up to 55 cast and crew members, with the remarkable Riverdance Irish Dance Troupe featuring world class dancers from Ireland, U.K, America, Australia and Canada, the cream of Irish musicians in the Riverdance Band and a spectacular array of international stars from Spain, America and Russia, all performing to the magic of Bill Whelan's Grammy award winning music. Riverdance - The 20th Anniversary World Tour has set design by Robert Ballagh, lighting design by John Comiskey, costume design by Joan Bergin and sound design by Michael O'Gorman.

FINDING NEVERLAND

May 16 - 21, 2017
FINDING NEVERLAND is Broadway's biggest new hit and the winner of Broadway.com's Audience Choice Award for BEST MUSICAL! This breathtaking smash "captures the kid-at-heart" (Time Magazine). Vogue cheers, "it's a must-see you'll remember for years to come!"Directed by visionary Tony winner Diane Paulus, 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).

MAMMA MIA!*

June 13 - 18, 2017

*Season Option

MAMMA MIA! is one of the most successful musicals of all time, the eighth longest running show in Broadway history and one of only five current musicals to have run for more than ten years on Broadway. The West End production is now in its seventeenth year. The international tour has visited more than 81 foreign cities in 37 countries.

Inspired by the storytelling magic of ABBA's songs from "Dancing Queen" and "S.O.S." to "Money, Money, Money" and "Take a Chance on Me," MAMMA MIA! is a celebration of mothers and daughters, old friends and new family found.

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

August 15 - 20, 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 2014-15 season!