Arizona Broadway Theatre announces 8 blockbuster productions for Season 9

“Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” Friday, Jan. 17-Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014: “Over the past two seasons, we’ve paid close attention to the requests we receive regarding upcoming shows,” said Brad York, ABT’s sales and marketing director. “Hands down, “Seven Brides” has been among the top requested shows by our patrons.” A stage version of the popular 1954 movie, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is packed with rambunctious dance numbers and grueling action sequences. It tells the story of Millie, a young bride living in the Oregon wilderness of the 1850s, and how she plans to ensure the success of her marriage by marrying off her six rowdy brothers-in-law.“The Sound of Music, ” Friday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013: “The Sound of Music” was Rodgers & Hammerstein’s final collaboration and features such memorable songs as “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” It debuted on Broadway in 1959 starring Mary Martin as the high-spirited Maria and in 1965 was made into an Academy Award-winning film starring Julie Andrews. It remains one of the world’s most beloved musicals.“Hairspray,” Friday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013: “‘Hairspray’ is the ultimate feel-good musical and a perfect show to open what is going to be an amazing season of memorable performances here at ABT!” said Kiel Klaphake, ABT’s executive producer. It’s Baltimore, 1962, and pleasantly plump teen Tracy Turnblad wants one thing most of all: to dance on the “Corny Collins Show.” A big girl with a big heart and big hair, Tracy sets out to pursue her dreams. Full of tuneful songs, “Hairspray” won the 2002 Tony Award for Best Musical.View the list »
“Hairspray” kicks off Arizona Broadway Theatre's ninth season and runs Friday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013.

Performing Arts newsletter

Arizona Broadway Theatre has announced its ninth season shows: a blockbuster line-up of eight exciting new productions running from Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 to Friday, April 11, 2014. The deadline for season subscription renewals is Friday, March 8, 2013, and new subscriptions will go on sale this April. Single tickets for Season 9 will be available starting Saturday, July 13, 2013. Purchase tickets online or call the box office at (623) 776-8400.

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ABT has been recognized as the Best Playhouse of the Valley by Phoenix magazine and was the winner of WESTMARC’s 2011 Best of the West Award. The professional dinner theater showcases actors and designers from the greater Phoenix area, New York City and around the country.

The season kicks off with the Tony Award-winning smash hit “Hairspray.” “We wanted to get the new season started with an energetic and fun show that would be good for the whole family,” said Kiel Klaphake, ABT’s executive producer. Ending the season is “Angry Housewives,” a laugh-out-loud musical comedy about self-respect and girl power.

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For details about these shows and each one in between, click “View the list” below.

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View the list
  • “Hairspray,” Friday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013: “‘Hairspray’ is the ultimate feel-good musical and a perfect show to open what is going to be an amazing season of memorable performances here at ABT!” said Kiel Klaphake, ABT’s executive producer. It’s Baltimore, 1962, and pleasantly plump teen Tracy Turnblad wants one thing most of all: to dance on the “Corny Collins Show.” A big girl with a big heart and big hair, Tracy sets out to pursue her dreams. Full of tuneful songs, “Hairspray” won the 2002 Tony Award for Best Musical.
  • “The Sound of Music, ” Friday, Nov. 22-Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013: “The Sound of Music” was Rodgers & Hammerstein’s final collaboration and features such memorable songs as “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” It debuted on Broadway in 1959 starring Mary Martin as the high-spirited Maria and in 1965 was made into an Academy Award-winning film starring Julie Andrews. It remains one of the world’s most beloved musicals.
  • “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” Friday, Jan. 17-Sunday, Feb. 16, 2014: “Over the past two seasons, we’ve paid close attention to the requests we receive regarding upcoming shows,” said Brad York, ABT’s sales and marketing director. “Hands down, “Seven Brides” has been among the top requested shows by our patrons.” A stage version of the popular 1954 movie, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” is packed with rambunctious dance numbers and grueling action sequences. It tells the story of Millie, a young bride living in the Oregon wilderness of the 1850s, and how she plans to ensure the success of her marriage by marrying off her six rowdy brothers-in-law.
  • “Kiss Me, Kate,” Friday, Feb. 28-Sunday, March 30, 2014: When Fred Graham and his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi star in a musical version of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” fireworks ensue on stage and off. Originally choreographed by Broadway legend Bob Fosse, “Kiss Me, Kate” is classic Cole Porter. The 1949 Tony Award winner features such hits as “Another Op’nin,” “Another Show,” “So In Love” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.”
  • “The Secret Garden,” Friday, April 11-Sunday, May 11, 2014: Based on the 1911 novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, “The Secret Garden” is set in the early years of the 20th century. The story centers on Mary Lennox, sent to live with her reclusive uncle Archibald in England after the death of her parents. On his mysterious estate, she is drawn to uncover the magic garden and the secrets within. The play’s rich score and beautiful melodies entrance audiences of all ages.
  • “Young Frankenstein,” Friday, May 23-Sunday, June 22, 2014: Based on the Mel Brooks 1974 hit comedy film of the same name, “Young Frankenstein” features such memorable tunes as “The Transylvania Mania” and “Puttin' on The Ritz.” Come and witness a singing and dancing laboratory experiment as Young Dr. Frankenstein attempts to complete his grandfather’s work and bring a corpse to life. He succeeds, with a little help from his friends, but not without scary and often hilarious complications.
  • “Peter Pan,” Friday, July 11-Sunday, Aug. 17, 2014: Peter Pan is a character created by Scottish novelist and playwright J.M. Barrie, but audiences may think of him as Mary Martin, Sandy Duncan or Cathy Rigby, who are all known for playing the part. Arizona Broadway Theatre’s audiences are invited to sprinkle a little pixie dust and join Peter in his never-ending childhood adventuring on the isles of Neverland. Along the way, they’ll meet Wendy, Michael, John, Tinker Bell and the notorious Captain Hook.
  • “The Angry Housewives,” Friday, Sept. 5-Sunday, Sept. 28, 2014: What can four angry women who are fed up with their boyfriends and husbands and completely bored with their everyday lives do? These four decide to form a rock band and enter an upcoming talent show at their neighborhood club. Somehow, they manage to be funny, witty and irresistible in this musical comedy about newfound self-respect and girl power.
View the list

, Phoenix Theater Examiner

Doris Nehrbass is a member of the Phoenix Writers Club and former editor of the club’s newsletter. As the Phoenix Writing Examiner and the Phoenix Theater Examiner, she enjoys covering both Phoenix writing and theater events, as well as writing personality profiles about Arizona authors and...

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