New theater series schedule announced

Broadway classics old and new will play in Knoxville with the 2011-2012 season of Broadway at the Tennessee theater series.

Among the productions coming to town this fall and winter will be "Young Frankenstein," "Cats," "Les Miserables," "Shrek The Musical," "Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific" and "Riverdance."

Margaret Stolfi, of A.C. Entertainment, said the "Les Miserables" performance will be the biggest production ever to be a part of the Broadway at the Tennessee series. For that production, there will be eight shows.

Also of note, "Riverdance" will be in its farewell tour.

Productions, dates and brief synopses follow:

n "Young Frankenstein" (Nov. 8-9): Created by Mel Brooks, along with his "Producers" cohorts Susan Stroman and Thomas Meehan, the play inspired by Brooks' classic film comedy follows Dr. Frankenstein in his attempt to create his monster.

n "Cats" (Dec. 9-11): One of the longest-running shows in Broadway's history, this Andrew Lloyd Webber classic features timeless tunes, including the hit song "Memory."

n "Les Miserables" (Jan. 11-15): With eye-catching new staging and scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this 25th anniversary production of the legendary musical is being lauded by critics, fans and audiences.

n "Shrek the Musical" (Feb. 14-16): Based on the beloved Oscar-winning film, your favorite green ogre comes to life promises part romance, part twisted fairy tale and all irreverent fun for all ages.

n "Rodgers & Hammerstein's South Pacific" (March 30-31): This new production based on the 2008 Tony-winning Lincoln Center Theater production features the sweeping romance of two couples and how their happiness is threatened by war and their own prejudices.

n "Riverdance" (May 5): Featuring a thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance, "Riverdance" has high-stepped its way into millions of fans' hearts.

Subscription packages for the series go on sale Monday, with packages starting at $208.

For more info or to purchase tickets, call the Tennessee Theatre box office at 865-684-1200, Ext. 2.

© 2011, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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