Announcing the 2006-2007 Season
1 World Premiere, 3 Shows New to Seattle, 3 Classic Favorites.
7 Spectacular Shows for the Price of 6!
SEATTLE – The 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Company is proud to announce its 2006-2007 line up with seven spectacular shows. Three shows are new to Seattle: BOMBAY DREAMS, September 12 – October 1, 2006; WHITE CHRISTMAS, November 28 – December 17, 2006; and EDWARD SCISSORHANDS, April 25 – May 13, 2007. One show is new to the world: the Broadway-bound musical CRY-BABY, February 13 – March 4, 2007. The three remaining shows in the season are classics that 5th Avenue audiences have repeatedly requested, including the rarely-produced Sondheim favorite COMPANY, October 17 – November 5, 2006; CAMELOT, March 20 – April 8, 2007 and WEST SIDE STORY, May 29 – June 17, 2007. Together they add up to a spectacular 7-show season that costs the same as last season’s 6-show package!
“Planning a season that addresses all aspects of our mission is one of the most difficult parts of my job. Dozens of factors come into play: cost, touring schedules, actor availability; it’s quite a juggling act. To secure 7 shows, all in one season, and include a world premiere, without raising the ticket prices, is truly theater magic,” says Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong. “We’re delighted to once again bring Seattle audiences a brand-new Broadway-bound musical, CRY-BABY. It’ll be one of the highlights of the season.”
CRY-BABY joins a rapidly growing list of musicals, including HAIRSPRAY, PRINCESSES and THE WEDDING SINGER, that The 5th Avenue Theatre has helped develop for a Broadway run. John Waters, the film’s director, couldn’t be happier: “I am thrilled to be coming back to Seattle with CRY-BABY. Here’s a town that understands my sense of humor and has a passionate theater-going public that roots for winners outside the usual Broadway boundaries. In other words, the perfect place for me to be a ‘juvenile delinquent.’”
The season kicks off September 12, 2006 with the National Tour of BOMBAY DREAMS, a dazzling stage spectacle set amid India’s bustling Bollywood film industry. The idea for this new musical emerged after Shekhar Kapur and Broadway musical giant Andrew Lloyd Webber became entranced by the allure of Bollywood movies and the music of India’s most celebrated and popular composer A. R. Rahman (The Lord of the Rings: The Musical). BOMBAY DREAMS enjoyed a successful run in London and New York, and this September, Seattle’s sizeable East Asian population along with anyone who loves to be entertained will be blown away by the musical's pulsating rhythm and technicolor beauty. BOMBAY DREAMS features a lush score, glittering costumes, lavish sets and exotic dance numbers. It tells the story of a handsome young actor who dreams of fame and romance. The musical journey is an exploration of the importance of cultural heritage, the price of success, the bonds of friendship and the power of true love.
Sondheim fans rejoice. The 5th Avenue Theatre continues its commitment to produce the entire Stephen Sondheim canon. Following on the heels of The 5th Avenue’s acclaimed production of SWEENEY TODD, this fall the Theatre will produce COMPANY. This hilarious and affecting portrayal of five married couples ó as seen through the eyes of perpetual bachelor Robert ó explores the joys and pitfalls of love, commitment and relationships. It features a brilliant, energetic, quintessentially Sondheim score, including the celebrated songs “Side By Side By Side,” “Ladies Who Lunch” and “Another Hundred People.” Winner of six 1971 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this landmark show ó considered by many to have inaugurated the modern era of musical theater ó remains as relevant and razor-sharp as ever, demonstrating that relationships, while not perfect, go hand-in-hand with "Being Alive."
Just in time for the holidays, WHITE CHRISTMAS is a delightful new musical that’s as fresh as new fallen snow. The 5th Avenue is one of four theaters in America to produce this classic Christmas movie musical that has never before been adapted for the stage. WHITE CHRISTMAS sold out in each city it has played, delighting audiences in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Boston. It includes the beloved Irving Berlin songs “Sisters,” “Blue Skies” and the popular title song, “White Christmas.” The fun begins after WWII when two of the hottest song-and-dance men in showbiz team up with a sister act to save their former general’s country inn. The result is a sparkling holiday package filled with splashy dance numbers, treasured tunes and loads of heartwarming nostalgia.
The 5th Avenue is thrilled to announce that the Theatre will again play the role of producer and host to CRY-BABY, another new musical revving up to go straight to Broadway. CRY-BABY is based upon the Universal Pictures film written and directed by John Waters. John Waters will return to one of his favorite cities, Seattle, in early February 2007 to participate in the exciting process of creating a new musical. Much of the HAIRSPRAY producing team returns, joined by Imagine Entertainment Chairman Brian Grazer. The Tony Award-winning creative team includes Rob Ashford as the choreographer, the HAIRSPRAY book writers Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan as well as an exciting songwriting duo new to Broadway – David Javerbaum (Five-time Emmy Award-winning writer for The Daily Show) and Adam Schlesinger (bassist /songwriter for Fountains of Wayne).
While HAIRPSRAY is a story about acceptance, CRY-BABY is a story about class. It’s set in the hysterical high-throttle world of 1954. Eisenhower is President, Rock ‘n’ Roll is king, and Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker is the baddest boy in town. His ability to shed one single tear drives all the girls wild –especially Allison Vernon-Williams. A rich, beautiful “square,” Allison finds herself irresistibly drawn to the dreamy juvenile delinquent and his forbidden world of rockabilly music, fast cars and faster women. Will Allison become a high school hellcat to win her man? Find out in February when this outrageous new musical has its world premiere at The 5th Avenue Theatre.
British stage and film legend, Michael York (The Three Musketeers, Cabaret, Austin Powers, Logan’s Run) will kick off Seattle’s spring theater season starring in one of history’s greatest love stories, CAMELOT. “Very few actors have the charisma, charm, majesty and Shakespearean training necessary to bring the legendary king to life. Michael York has all this, and more. No one should miss the opportunity to witness a great actor taking on a great role LIVE on stage,” notes David Armstrong, producing artistic director. This magnificent new national touring production of Lerner & Lowe’s timeless masterpiece is set in King Arthur’s enchanted kingdom Camelot, a place where honor and chivalry reign. When Queen Guenevere falls in love with Sir Lancelot, this idyllic land is placed in jeopardy. The splendid score includes the romantic and haunting “If Ever I Would Leave You,” the captivating “How To Handle a Woman” and the majestic “Camelot.”
Straight from the London stage, EDWARD SCISSORHANDS will play Seattle as part of a limited tour that includes Los Angeles and New York. This magical new dance musical without words is devised, directed and choreographed by Matthew Bourne and New Adventures. Matthew Bourne is one of the most innovative artists working in the theater today. His bold reinterpretation of Swan Lake thrilled audiences on Broadway and around the world; and now, Bourne’s distinctive vision will come to The 5th Avenue. This stunning dance/theater production is based on the original motion picture written and directed by Oscar-nominated Tim Burton, by special arrangement with 20th Century Fox. It includes music composed, arranged and adapted by Terry Davies based on the original motion picture score by Danny Elfman. EDWARD SCISSORHANDS is a touching and witty gothic fairytale that tells the story of a boy created by an eccentric inventor. With only scissors for hands, Edward must find his place in a strange new suburban world where the well-meaning community struggles to see past his appearance to the innocence and gentleness within. Families will delight in this enchanting stage experience.
In 2007 the world will celebrate the 50th anniversary of WEST SIDE STORY. The 5th Avenue Theatre will hold its own celebration by collaborating with Spectrum Dance Theater. This co-production, a modern telling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, includes a full orchestra and a large cast of nearly 40 exceptional actors, singers and dancers. Two feuding street gangs — the Jets and the Sharks — are on a collision course in the gritty slums of New York City. With explosive dancing and some of the most electrifying music ever written for the Broadway stage (“Maria,” “Tonight,” “Somewhere”), WEST SIDE STORY is one of the all-time great American musicals created by four legends of the theater: Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents, Stephen Sondheim and Jerome Robbins. Winner of 10 Academy Awards in 1961 and two Tony Awards in 1958, this beautiful love story addresses the issue of prejudice in a complex world and remains as fresh today as it was 50 years ago.
The 5th Avenue Theatre’s hugely popular SPOTLIGHT NIGHTS, hosted by Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, will continue for a sixth season. These FREE, one-night-only events are designed to enhance the audience’s musical theater experience and are crafted to highlight specific aspects of each show. Part community forum, part musical entertainment, part behind-the-scenes look at how a Broadway musical is made, Spotlight Nights are held at The 5th Avenue Theatre and are open to the public. Seating is general admission. Reservations are strongly recommended. Dates will be announced late Summer 2006.
The 5th Avenue Theatre treasures its 23,000 loyal subscribers; many have subscribed for more than two decades! Subscriptions are available now. Package prices range from as little as $68 (4 shows, previews) to $357 (7 shows, weekend). The Second Sunday Talkback and 30-Or-Under Ticket Packages remain popular and new this season are the Girls Night Out and Q Club Packages appealing to female and LGBT crowds. For season ticket information, call 206-625-1900 / 888.5TH.4TIX, stop by The 5th Avenue Theatre box office at 1308 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle, or visit www.5thavenue.org.
The 5th Avenue Theatre is Seattle’s premier musical theater. In 1980, the non-profit 5th Avenue Theatre began producing and presenting top-quality live musical theater for the cultural enrichment of the Northwest community. The 5th Avenue Theatre maintains a subscription audience of 23,000 and an annual attendance of more than 200,000. It ranks among the nation’s largest and most respected musical theater companies. The theater is committed to encouraging the next generation of theatergoers through its Educational Outreach Program which includes: The Adventure Musical Theatre Touring Company, The 5th Avenue High School Musical Theatre Awards, the Student Matinee Program and Spotlight Nights. Unique in its Chinese-inspired design, the exquisite theater opened in 1926 as a venue for vaudeville and film. Today, under the leadership of Managing Director Marilynn Sheldon and Producing Artistic Director David Armstrong, The 5th Avenue Theatre continues to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of artistic endeavors and facility operations, while preserving its artistic, architectural and historic legacy. Visit www.5thavenue.org. Audi Dealers of the Puget Sound region are the official automobile sponsor of The 5th Avenue Theatre’s 2006-2007 season.
Please contact Jennifer Rice, Public Relations Manager, at 206-625-1418 with questions or to schedule individual interviews. Photos available upon request.