LION KING, WIZARD OF OZ, NEWSIES & More Set for Broadway San Jose's 2015-16 Season

Following a record-breaking 2014/15 season, Broadway San Jose, a Nederlander Presentation, announced last night the six productions that will comprise the lineup for the 2015/16 season.

Highlights include the triumphant return engagement of Disney's THE LION KING, Andrew Lloyd Webber's enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic THE WIZARD OF OZ, the smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL, Disney's NEWSIES and more! In addition, a limited engagement of Disney's beloved classic musical BEAUTY AND THE BEAST will be available as a special season add-on.

Broadway San Jose season subscriptions range in price from $223-$513 for the basic 6-show package and can be purchased online at broadwaysanjose.com, or by calling (866) 395-2929. Single ticket on-sale dates will be announced at a later date.

"Broadway San Jose's 2015/16 season is filled with Tony Award-winning blockbusters featuring magic, puppetry, dance, and some of the most beautiful music every written," said Broadway San Jose General Manager Nanci Williams. "Led by the return engagement of Disney's landmark musical THE LION KING -- last seen at the Center for the Performing Arts in 2006 -- our season will showcase a wide array of theatrical productions that will delight, entertain and surprise the whole family!"

Guests at last night's season launch event were treated to surprise performances from the Broadway casts of Disney's THE LION KING, Disney's NEWSIES and MOTOWN THE MUSICAL on-stage at the Center for the Performing Arts. Joel Karie and Thembelihle Cele from the cast of Disney's THE LION KING performed "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"; Adam Kaplan from the cast of Disney's NEWSIES performed "Santa Fe"; and Donald Webber and Rebecca Covington from the cast of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL performed a medley of songs, including "Get Ready" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered."

All performances for Broadway San Jose's 2015/16 season will be held at the 2,700-seat San Jose Center for Performing Arts, a mid-century modern architectural showcase designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, at the corner of Park Avenue and Almaden Boulevard in downtown San Jose.

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2015/16 SEASON:

Disney's THE LION KING

September 9 - October 4, 2015

More than 70 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney's THE LION KING, and now you can, too, when (City's) best-loved musical returns to the (Theatre). Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features some of Broadway's most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING.

RIVERDANCE - THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR

November 24 - 29, 2015

The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand in RIVERDANCE- THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD TOUR. 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 in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. Of all the performances to emerge from Ireland - in rock, music, theatre and film - nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of RIVERDANCE.

PIPPIN

January 5 - 10, 2016

PIPPIN is Broadway's high-flying, death-defying hit musical! Full of extraordinary acrobatics, wondrous magical feats and soaring songs from the composer of Wicked, PIPPIN will lift you up and leave you smiling. This unforgettable new production is the winner of four 2013 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. Hailed as "an eyepopping, jaw-dropping extravaganza" (NY1), it's unlike anything Broadway has ever seen! Come experience PIPPIN, one young man's journey to be extraordinary.

Direct from an acclaimed run at Boston's American Repertory Theater, this captivating new production is directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus (Hair and The Gershwin's Porgy & Bess). It features sizzling choreography in the style of Bob Fosse and breathtaking acrobatics by Les 7 Doigts de la Main, the creative force behind the nationwide sensation Traces. PIPPIN is noted for many Broadway standards including "Corner of the Sky," "Magic To Do," "Glory," "No Time at All," "Morning Glow," and "Love Song."

THE WIZARD OF OZ

January 29 - February 4, 2016

"We're off to see...." the most magical adventure of them all. This new production of THE WIZARD OF OZ is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage.

Developed from the ever popular MGM screenplay, this production contains the beloved songs from the Oscar-winning movie score, all the favorite characters and iconic moments, plus a few surprises along the way, including new songs by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Click your heels together and join Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion, Dorothy and her little dog Toto, as they journey through the magical Land of Oz to meet the Wizard and obtain their hearts' desires. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her winged monkeys as you rediscover the real story of Oz in this fantastic musical treat for the whole family.

(Special season add-on)

Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

April 1 - 3, 2016

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song.

Disney's NEWSIES

May 10 - 15, 2016

They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines...Direct from Broadway comes NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Winner of the 2012 Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Choreography, NEWSIES has audiences and critics alike calling it "A MUSICAL WORTH SINGING ABOUT!" (New York Times). Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it's a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don't want to miss.

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL

June 21 - 26, 2016

It began as one man's story... became everyone's music... and is now Broadway's musical. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy's journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Now, experience it live on stage in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL!

Broadway San Jose is a partnership between the Nederlander organization of New York and Team San Jose, the managing entity for San Jose's publicly-held performance venues and civic centers.

THE NEDERLANDER ORGANIZATION is a New York-based company prominent for three generations in the ownership of theatres and the production of distinguished theatrical and concert presentations. Under the leadership of chairman James M. Nederlander and president James L. Nederlander, the company has built a network of theatres including nine on Broadway; three in London; four in Chicago; and several throughout the United States including Los Angeles, San Diego and San Jose. For over three decades, the Nederlanders have been prolific producers of theatrical productions with over 100 Broadway and touring shows to their credit. The company has been instrumental in presenting many of Broadway's most successful shows, most notably Annie, Chicago, La Cage aux Folles, and Legally Blonde, Peter Pan, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. For more information visit www.nederlander.com.

TEAM SAN JOSE is an innovative partnership unifying the San Jose Convention and Visitor's Bureau, hotels, arts groups, organized labor, and City-owned venues to deliver and exceptional visitor experience and serve as the gateway to San Jose as a destination. Team San Jose manages the San Jose Convention Center and entertainment venues including the California Theatre, the Center for Performing Arts, Montgomery Theatre, and the City National Civic. For more information visit www.sanjose.org.