Tom Gabbard News

BREAKIN' CONVENTION is not just a show or a festival, it's an experience.

After selling out in record time in 2008 and 2010, then breaking box office records in 2013, WICKED, Broadway's biggest blockbuster, will return to Charlotte's Ovens Auditorium Jan. 6-31, 2016.  Tickets for the return engagement go on sale Friday, Oct. 16, 2015.

Charlotte's 3rd annual National Dance Day celebration is set for today, July 25, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Plaza and has even more to offer than ever before. Hundreds of people will enjoy the usual National Dance Day fun but will also get a taste of Breakin' Convention, the International hip-hop dance theatre festival headed to Charlotte this fall.

It's not too late to save a seat for the upcoming PNC Broadway Lights shows at Belk Theater.  On Monday, July 27, Blumenthal Performing Arts will host a special open house -- Pick Your Seat Night -- at Belk Theater for fans who'd like to check out open seats and sightlines in person. The free event will run from 5:30 - 8 p.m. The first 100 guests will receive a free gift. Everyone will have the chance to enter to win show tickets and other great prizes. 

Blumenthal Performing Arts has announced the talent headed to Charlotte for Breakin' Convention, the international hip hop dance festival created by London's Sadler's Wells, coming to Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts Oct. 9-10.

Charlotte's 3rd annual National Dance Day celebration is set for Saturday, July 25, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Wells Fargo Plaza and has even more to offer than ever before. Hundreds of people will enjoy the usual National Dance Day fun but will also get a taste of Breakin' Convention, the International hip-hop dance theatre festival headed to Charlotte this fall.

Blumenthal Performing Arts has announced that BlackArch Partners will be the exclusive presenting sponsor for a Broadway Extra production each year for the next 4 years.

Growing more spectacular every year, the Fourth Annual Blumey Awards, presented by Wells Fargo, recognizes Excellence in High School Theater and celebrates the hard work and dedication it takes to perform in musical theater.

The fourth annual Blumenthal Performing Arts High School Musical Theater Awards culminated Sunday, May 17, at a gala award celebration where winners in 12 categories were announced and nominees for Best Actor, Best Actress and Wells Fargo Best Musical performed live on stage at the Belk Theater. The Blumey Awards were presented by Wells Fargo.

Blumenthal Performing Arts is pleased to announce the 72 nominees - six each in 12 categories - competing in the 4th Annual High School Musical Theater Awards, also known as The Blumey Awards, presented by Wells Fargo on Sunday, May 17, in Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

Vibrant street art will come to life at the 1st Annual Graffiti Jam, a free outdoor event taking place at Spirit Square in Uptown (345 N. College Street) on Saturday, April 25, from 12 to 2 p.m.

The hilarious CHARLOTTE SQUAWKS returns with THE 11TH GLOWER, playing at Booth Playhouse at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center for 17 performances June 5-28, 2015. This musical parody pokes fun at Charlotte and the nation with uproarious performances featuring original lyrics set to well-known songs.

Breakin' Convention, an international hip hop dance festival created by London's Sadler's Wells, will come to Charlotte's Levine Center for the Arts this October.

Broadway's hottest new shows will be on stage in Charlotte next season in the 2015-2016 PNC Broadway Lights lineup. From contemporary mega hits like Matilda The Musical, Beautiful- The Carole King Musical and If/Then to a beloved favorite, The Sound of Music, the season will mesmerize audiences with one hit after another.

Demand is so high for the Broadway smash-hit musical Kinky Boots, playing Belk Theater March 17-22 as part of the PNC Broadway Lights, the show has already booked its return engagement for later this year.

Blumenthal Performing Arts has announced The Gordon Hay Scholarship, an endowed scholarship which will be awarded to a Charlotte-area high school senior planning to pursue a non-performing career in the performing arts field.

A few weeks ago, Blumenthal Performing Arts completed a renovation project at the beautiful Belk Theater. One of the major changes you will notice is the new theater seating. The former seats were original and installed in 1992 when Belk Theater was built.

Ten Broadway shows and several special attractions headed to Blumenthal Performing Arts theaters this season will go on sale Monday, Sept. 22, for a limited time. Buyers will receive free parking with a ticket purchase during this special "Beat the Sellouts Sale."

Blumenthal Performing Arts has joined forces with Jazz Arts Initiative to bring a premiere jazz festival to the Queen City. Charlotte Classic Jazz Festival 2014 will take place Saturday, October 4, in Knight Theater at Levine Center for the Arts (430 South Tryon Street).

The National Tour of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, winner of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, ends on a high note grossing $1,030,014 for the week closing July 20, 2014, making it the highest-grossing week on the tour. More than 15,000 people attended the show in Charlotte.