Studer Community Institute

Broadway returns to the Saenger Theatre

June 29, 2015
/ Mike Ensley
/ community-dashboard

They say the neon lights are bright…on Palafox. Jam Theatricals and the Friends of the Saenger have announced the shows for the 2015-2016 Broadway in Pensacola season. “I am a huge Mel Brooks’ fan and love his work so “The Producers” is one of my best-picks,” said Kathy Summerlin, director of Marketing and Event Services for the Saenger. “I’ve seen it and it’s really a funny show.” Summerlin is also excited about another childhood favorite. “What woman doesn’t remember singing “The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow” from their childhood?,” Summerlin said. “’Annie’ is another favorite of mine that I have not had the opportunity to see so I’m excited about that show.” Those who might not be interested in traditional Broadway shows also have options this season, according to Summerlin. “’Stomp’ is a fan favorite,” she said. “The energy of the performers on stage creating a beat and rhythm with ordinary, everyday objects is exciting.” Another show will also bring another popular element to this season’s performances. “Magic is always a crowd pleaser and there are seven performers that travel with ‘The Illusionists’ show and do some pretty incredible feats,” Summerlin said. “I’m one of those people who wants to figure out how they do the tricks. We have two performances so that everyone will have the opportunity to attend.” Tickets for the season go on sale on July 17, but those looking to pick their seats for the year will have the opportunity to do so the night before when the Saenger hosts its Broadway Open House on July 16 from 4:30-7 p.m. “The Broadway Open House is very laid back. We put a tag on every open seat that is available to purchase for new subscribers,” Summerlin said. “It makes it very easy for you to see what seats are open and we encourage people to sit in the seat to see the view of the stage from the seat, to check the leg room, and to get a feel of the area.” Summerlin does, however, have some recommendations on finding the best seats in the house. “The best seat for Broadway: Balcony, Row D, Seats 106 and 107,” she said. “They give a great view of the stage, and I’ve been told that they are the best seats for the acoustics of the theatre too.” The Broadway in Pensacola Season remains one of the Saengers’ most popular annual events and Summerlin thinks she knows why. “Broadway inspires people through the music, costumes and scenery,” she said. “It has the ability to transport audiences to anywhere it wants to take us, and it makes us feel good.” To become a subscriber of the Broadway in Pensacola 2015-2016 Season; visit www.PensacolaSaenger.com. The full listing of this season’s offerings: RAGTIME THE MUSICAL Wednesday, November 11, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. AT THE DAWN OF A NEW CENTURY, everything is changingand anything is possible. RAGTIME returns to the road in all-new touring production directed & choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge and Produced by the team that most recently brought you The Addams Family, Spamalot, Rock of Ages and The Color Purple. The stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician unfold - set in turn-of-the-century New York - all three united by their desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow. Their compelling stories are set to theatres richest and most glorious Tony Award®-winning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens. Winning Tony Awards® for Best Book and Best Musical Score, this 13 time Tony Award® nominated musical is a timeless celebration of life - what it could and should be! THE PRODUCERS Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. A scheming producer and his mousy accountant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway in Mel Brooks' laugh-out-loud spectacle. Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, THE PRODUCERS once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. It is a truly "boffo" hit, winning a record twelve Tony Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night. ANNIE Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. Leapin Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production of ANNIE will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Featuring book and score by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, ANNIE includes such unforgettable songs as It’s the Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, I Dont Need Anything But You, plus the eternal anthem of optimism, Tomorrow. STOMP Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 7:30 p.m. STOMP is explosive, inventive, provocative, witty and utterly unique an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. Year after year, audiences worldwide keep coming back for more of this pulse-pounding electrifying show. As the Boston Globe says, If you havent seen STOMP, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure! STOMP. See what all the noise is about. BULLETS OVER BROADWAY Saturday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m. Hailed by Time Magazine as, Musical Theatre Gold!, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY is the hilarious musical comedy about the making of a Broadway show. Written by Woody Allen, with direction and choreography by Susan Stroman and based upon the screenplay of the acclaimed film by Woody Allen and Douglas McGrath, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY is the story of a young playwright who, in desperate need of financial backing for his next show, accepts an offer he cant refuse from a mobster looking to please his showgirl girlfriend. THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. This mind blowing spectacular showcases the jaw dropping talents of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

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Broadway returns to the Saenger Theatre

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