BWW Preview: 2017 STARLIGHT PREVIEW at Starlight Theatre

An expanded 2017 Starlight Summer Broadway show series was announced last week by Starlight CEO Rich Baker at a star studded Sunday Brunch. Features included a five-show winter "indoor" season preview, a nine-show 2017 Broadway season, and a special surprise performance by the touring stars of "Jersey Boys."

Starlight management has made a concerted effort to offer expanded programming and additional flexibility for season ticket holders and the community at large. "We understand all shows may not be appropriate for all patrons," said Baker.

Season tickets holders have been traditionally offered admission to either five or seven shows during a warm weather season. Patrons may now pick and choose from among the nine shows offered.

The nine 2017 scheduled shows and their play dates are listed below.

• June 3- June 11: Disney's "The Little Mermaid"
  • Based on the tale by Hans Christian Anderson and the 1989 animated screen classic. "The Little Mermaid" score includes music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashton.
• June 23 - 25: "Momma Mia"
  • Features music from the Swedish soft rock group, ABBA. "Momma Mia" closed on Broadway in 2015 after a 15 year run.
• July 11-July 16: "An American in Paris"
  • Based on the 1951 movie musical starring Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron about an American soldier in post-World War II Paris and his love affair with a young woman dancer. Music by George and Ira Gershwin. Still finishing its original Broadway run.
• July 25 - July 30: "Something Rotten"
  • Set in 1595. Two Elizabethan brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, struggle to find show biz success as they compete with up and coming playwright William Shakespeare. Continuing production on Broadway until January 2017.
• June 27- July 2:"Jersey Boys "
  • Follows the 1970s rock group Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Familiar hit tunes from the group and their true shared story of the groups musical success.
• August 18 - August 20: "Kinky Boots"
  • Broadway hit based on another true story. A traditional fine shoe manufacturer in rural England is saved from Bankruptcy by a new product. That is fine boots intended for Female-Impersonators. Score by Cindy Lauper.
• August 8 - August 13: "The Bodyguard, The Musical
  • From the 1991 movie with Kevin Koster and the late Whitney Houston. Currently showing on its original Broadway run.
• August 22- August 27: "Motown the Musical"
  • Tells the story of Barry Gordy and the Detroit music scene beginning in the 1960s. "Motown, The Musical is based loosely on Gordy's Autobiography and includes pop from Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson.
• September 8-September 14: "Grease"
  • The classic musical follows the 50s senior class of Rydall High and the love connection between Danny Zuko and Sandy Dumbrowski.

A five show indoor series will run during the fall and winter season on the Cohen Community Stage with the proscenium door closed to form a 500 seat interior heated theater.

The 2016-2017 Indoor Schedule includes:

• October 11 - October 23, 2016
  • The Secret Comedy of Women: Girls Only
• November 3 - November 5, 2016
  • Men Are From Mars, Women are From Venus
• November 26- December 18, 2016
  • Sister's Christmas Catechism
• February 3 - March 5, 2017
  • First Date
• March 7 - March 19, 2017
  • Disenchanted

Photo by Alan Portner - The touring company of "Jersey Boys: perform at the 2017 program announcement.