'Knute Rockne All-American' World Premiere

Theatre at the Center presents the World Premiere of the new musical Knute Rockne All-American, which celebrates the life of the man who created American College football. The ragtime rhythms of the turn of the last century and the wild jazz of the 1920's punctuate this moving story of the "winningest" coach in the history of American sport. The musical will preview April 3, open April 10 and run through May 11 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. From Rockne's meager beginnings as an immigrant living in Chicago's Logan Square, to his glory years as the pride of Notre Dame, the story of Knute Rockne, played by Stef Tovar, unfolds through the direction and choreography of Jeff Award winner David H. Bell.
 
Knute Rockne, the legendary football coach known for his sportsmanship, was one of the most innovative and charismatic coaches of his era. The musical recounts his many accomplishments and milestones at the helm of America's most famous football team. Rockne revolutionized the game of football and led his team to five undefeated seasons and the 1925 Rose Bowl championship. This inspiring production tells the story of a man with profound drive, determination and passion for life, both on and off the field. Knute Rockne's incredible life story, combined with first-rate musical numbers, makes this is an unparalleled World Premiere production, appropriately making its debut at Theatre at the Center.
                                                                                                                      
Knute Rockne All-American is based on writer Buddy Farmer's original play Coaches – Off The Bench with Knute, Vince and The Bear which he also directed. This play, featuring the stories of some of the most prominent coaches of all time, Knute Rockne, Vince Lombardi and "Bear" Bryant, toured from 1994 through 1997 and was performed at The John Freud Playhouse at UCLA, Washington Hall at the University of Notre Dame, Super Bowl xx in Phoenix and was the only play ever performed at The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
 
Farmer re-wrote the musical based on what he found to be the most popular of the three icons, Knute Rockne. He titled the one act play Rockne, and opened it in Los Angeles. Over the course of many years, Rockne transitioned into a musical and a mini-series. In 1998, Farmer decided to create a new musical, based on this mini-series. David H. Bell signed onto the project as director and choreographer and Michael Mahler joined as composer. Ten years later, the World Premiere of Knute Rockne All-American opens at Theatre at the Center.
                                                                                                                             
Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional, equity theater, located at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is conveniently located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

The musical will preview April 3, open April 10 and run through May 11 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.
 
The regular schedule is: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m. ($36.00); Fridays at 8:00 p.m. ($40.00); Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. ($40.00); Sundays at 2:30 p.m. ($40.00) and select Thursdays at 7:30, Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 pm ($36.00). To purchase tickets call the Box Office at (219)836.3255 or Tickets.com at (800)511.1552. Group discounts, available for groups of 20 or more; and gift certificates, perfect for all special occasions are also available by calling the Box Office at (219)836.3255.  For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.org.