Broadway/San Diego Announces 33rd Season With SPAMALOT, THE LION KING & More

Broadway/San Diego ~ A Nederlander Presentation, is delighted to announce its 33rd Season of great theatre. This year, more importantly than ever, theatre lives up to its promise to take us away and teach us about life, love and other cultures - whether they are in Africa, uptown Manhattan, the Ivy League or fantastic & funny alternate realities! Take an "Escapation/PLAYcation" with the entire family and discover the theatrical royalty the 2009-2010 Season offers.

When Disney's The Lion King visited in 2005, the UT called it "Sumptuous ... visual feast ... takes the story out of the realm of wildlife tale into the province of human myth ... a family entertainment but not strictly for kids!" Tickets sold out quickly, and we've all waited patiently to share it again with our loyal audiences. Don't miss this chance to see it with your loved ones.

"A new year and a new season brings with it the spirit of hope and anticipation; and our 2009-2010 Season of hit Broadway musicals and special attractions is certain to please everyone", said Nederlander Vice President Joe Kobryner.

"From the eternal ‘can do' attitudes of ‘UCLA cheerleading grad off-to-Harvard Law School' Elle Woods in Legally Blonde The Musical, to the drop-dead non-stop laughter of Monty Python's Spamalot, it's a year of great fun," he remarked. "For the family, we have one of the great all-time animated classics 101 Dalmatians coming to life on stage; along with the latest in the gravity-defying gymnastic eye-popping kaleidoscope that is Cirque Dreams Illumination," Kobryner added.

"This year we are delighted to be presenting a season of great value to families, exemplified by the 2008 Tony Award®-winning musical, In The Heights, a show that is a testament to the importance of family and being faithful to where you came from. The musical speaks to people of all ages and cultures," explained Diane E. Willcox, General Manager of Broadway/San Diego. "And we urge you to share the Celtic classic Riverdance one last time in their farewell performances at the Civic."

"In addition," continued Willcox, "those very popular Aussie blokes, The Ten Tenors, will brighten the holidays with a repertoire that is currently selling out in cities across Europe! North County Times called their 2005 run "Entertaining ... fun for all ages! " -- which is an apt description of our entire season - featuring the incredible, jaw-dropping Disney's The Lion King - a theatrical piece de resistance of unmatched artistry and appeal."

Broadway/San Diego's season is once again supported by sponsor San Diego County Credit Union. In regards to their ongoing sponsorship, Irene Oberbauer, President and CEO of San Diego County Credit Union, commented "San Diego County Credit Union is extremely pleased to return as season sponsor of Broadway/San Diego for the fourth consecutive year. This partnership gives us the opportunity to work hand in hand with San Diego's premier live theatre and support various non-profit organizations through our sales efforts. As San Diego's largest locally based financial institution, San Diego County Credit Union is committed to giving back to the communities where we live, work and play."

Kobryner noted: "San Diego County Credit Union has been a staunch supporter of our work for four seasons now. We are delighted and honored to continue this relationship."

The 2009-2010 BROADWAY/SAN DIEGO SEASON, sponsored by SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION, includes:

September 8 - 13, 2009

MUSICAL Monty Python's SPAMALOT

Civic Theatre

Winner of the 2005 Tony Award® for Best Musical, Monty Python's SPAMALOT is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and The Holy Grail." Directed by Tony Award®-winner Mike Nichols, with a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez, SPAMALOT tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up SPAMALOT. The New Yorker raved "A no-holds-barred smash hit."; The Sunday Times agrees it "Raises silliness to an art form."

Family friendly for teens and older - by the creators of Monty Python - ‘nuff said. montypythonsspamalot.com

October 13 - November 8, 2009

MUSICAL Disney's THE LION KING

Civic Theatre

By popular demand, multiple award-winning Disney's THE LION KING will return to San Diego for the first time since its triumphant premiere engagement in 2005. Relive the phenomenon of Disney's THE LION KING ~ marvel at the breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you'll remember forever ~ she became the first woman in Broadway history to win the Tony® Award for Best Director of a Musical; one of six Tonyâ Awards including Best Musical. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice's Oscarâ-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "Circle of Life." "There is simply nothing else like it," says The NY Times.

Family friendly for all ages, special note: Disney recommends it for ages 6 and up. LionKingTour.com

December 8 - 13, 2009

THE TEN TENORS HOLIDAY

Civic Theatre

Internationally renowned Australian group THE TEN TENORS returns to San Diego for the holidays, featuring songs from their new album ‘Nostalgica' as well as holiday classics. THE TEN TENORS set out to capture the intimacy between themselves and the audience during live performances, whilst invoking nostalgic memories of people, places or times in history. With an unparalleled palette of repertoire, THE TEN TENORS have taken their passion for quality music and powerful singing to such venues as London's Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House, The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow; and are delighted to be sharing this latest step in the journey with San Diego audiences. Los Angeles Times says "Their sound ... is what's truly sexy ... pure electricity and undeniable drama." Family friendly. thetentenors.com

SPOTLIGHT PARTNER: Brenda & Dave Rickey & Daughters Foundation

March 30 - April 4, 2010

MUSICAL LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL

Civic Theatre

It's here, and it's "An Elle Of A Show" - Time Magazine. The hilarious MGM film is now a smash hit musical, and now LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is coming to you. UCLA sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take ‘no' for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone ‘serious,' Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL will take you from the sorority house to the halls of justice with Broadway's brightest new heroine (and of course, her chihuahua, Bruiser). The verdict? This much fun shouldn't be legal! The NY Observer says LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is "Funny and smart"; WWOR-TV calls it "The funniest, most fabulous new musical!" and Bergen Record agrees "Comedy reigns! Undeniably entertaining!" Family friendly for pre-teens and older. LegallyBlondeTheMusical.com

April 13 - 18, 2010

CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION
Balboa Theatre

In the spirit of the enormously successful Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, the only show of its kind to ever perform on Broadway, comes the newest stage spectacle from Cirque Dreams, created and directed by Neil Goldberg. CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION is a bustling city of incredible dreamers set in a landscape of towering buildings and infinite possibilities, created and directed by Neil Goldberg. Ablaze with lights and activities, objects and shapes transform into windows and stairways that lead beyond imagination. City dwellers collect objects that are balanced beyond belief, linemen delicately walk wires, daredevils leap tall buildings and flyers redefine the risks of flight. Everyday occurrences are transformed into astounding feats performed by an international cast of acrobatic urbanites, flexible fanatics, world-class athletes, musicians and more. This action packed Cirque Dream is enhanced with over 100 inventive costumes and set in a fantastical cityscape of dimension and special effects. A "Jaw dropping, family friendly spectacle" LA Times "Dazzling! Great family entertainment and a reason to stand up and cheer." New York Daily News

Fun and satisfying for the whole family. cirqueproductions.com/

LOCAL SPOTLIGHT PARTNER : corky rgb

June 1 - 6, 2010

MUSICAL 101 DALMATIANS The Musical
Civic Theatre

101 DALMATIANS The Musical is an experience for the entire family about what it means to be a family, canine and courageous. More than a simple story about good versus bad, the family bands together to overcome every hurdle and hardship in the most difficult times. Led by the creative team of Jerry Zaks (La Cage Au Folles, Smokey Joe's Cafe, "Everybody Loves Raymond"), B.T. McNicholl (Spamalot, Billy Elliot, Cabaret) and Dennis DeYoung (founding member of the rock group Styx, The Hunchback of Notre Dame); 101 DALMATIANS The Musical will transport audiences to a slightly topsy-turvy, exciting, and altogether fantastic reality that gives grand license for song, dance and spectacle in a one-of-a-kind show that will leave everyone cheering.Fun and satisfying for the whole family.

July 27 - August 1, 2010

MUSICAL IN THE HEIGHTS

Civic Theatre

Winner of the 2008 Tony Awards® for Best Musical, Best Original Score and Best Choreography.

Get ready to experience an exhilarating journey into Washington Heights, one of Manhattan's most vibrant communities. Named "The Best Musical Of The Year" by New York Magazine. IN THE HEIGHTS features an amazing cast, incredible dancing and a gripping story of hope and self-discovery. IN THE HEIGHTS is your ticket into a world where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. The New York Times calls it "A musical about chasing your dreams and finding your true home ... a singular new sensation!" Multi-generational for ages 5-95 intheheightsthemusical.com

2009-2010 EXTRA SEASON EVENT:

January 5 - 10, 2010

RIVERDANCE Farewell Performances
Civic Theatre

RIVERDANCE, the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, will play eight farewell performances in San Diego. The Washington Post calls it "A phenomenon of historic proportions!" Discover why nothing in the world compares to The Original International Phenomenon; now entering its 14th year in 2009! Whether it's your first time or your fifth, you won't want to miss these farewell performances of RIVERDANCE! The London Times calls it "A family evening unlike anything else!" Fun for the entire family. riverdance.com

RECENTLY ADDED!:

Saturday, December 5 at 7PM & 9:30PM

Jerry Seinfeld Returns To The Stage Live In Concert In 2009

Civic Theatre

Due to popular demand, America's premier comedian is hitting the road in a return to his first love - stand-up comedy. Recently hailed as "the master stand-up comic of his generation" and "the best comedian of our time" in a Washington Post article by Tom Shales, Seinfeld has an uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere. Seinfeld now sets his sights on performing his material across the country in 2009.

RETURNING DUE TO UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND!

January 15 - 17, 2010 ~ five performances only

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

Civic Theatre

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the scene in 1971 changing the world of musical theatre forever, earning five Tony® nominations. With a score of amazing songs - "I Don't Know How to Love Him", "Hosanna", "Everything's Alright", "What's the Buzz", "Superstar", and "Heaven on Their Mind", this original groundbreaking production stars Ted Neeley (Golden Globe-nominated in the role of Jesus in the Norman Jewison film of Superstar). JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is one of the most popular and enduring works ever created for the musical theatre, and leaves audiences captivated by its power. As relevant and timeless as ever, this rock opera vision of "the greatest story ever told" is perhaps more potent in today's troubled world than when it was first produced. thejcstour.com

SATURDAY, MAY 15, 2010 At 2PM & 8PM

RAIN: A Tribute To the Beatles

Civic Theatre

In a show the Denver Post calls "the next best thing to seeing The Beatles," the award-winning Beatles concert RAIN - A Tribute To The Beatles boasts a repertoire of nearly 200 Beatlemaniac favorites, ranging from such beloved songs as "Yesterday" and "Hey Jude" to classic hits including "Revolution" and "Come Together." RAIN covers the Fab Four from their very first Ed Sullivan Show appearance through the Abbey Road album, through the psychedelic late 60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days. RAIN is a multi-media, multi-dimensional experience ... a fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s lights up video screens and live cameras zoom in for close-ups. For the four longtime band members - Joey Curatolo (Paul McCartney), Joe Bithorn (George Harrison), Ralph Castelli (Ringo Starr) and Steve Landes (John Lennon), with a little help from their friend Mark Lewis (keyboards, percussion) - the music is first and foremost. For more than two decades, RAIN has distinguished itself by focusing on details, always being faithful to The Beatles with the ultimate goal of delivering a perfect note-for-note performance. All the music is performed live, with no pre-recorded tapes or sequences. Like The Beatles, the onstage members of RAIN are not only supreme musicians, but electrifying performers in their own right.www.raintribute.com

2008-2009 REMAINING SEASON AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED:

July 14 - 19, 2009

MUSICAL FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Civic Theatre

Never has any other musical so magically woven music, dance, poignancy and laughter into such an electrifying and unforgettable experience. Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, and starring the inimitable Topol in his signature role, Fiddler On The Roof has been lauded by critics again and again, and won the hearts of people all around the world. Filled with a rousing, heartwarming score, which includes "Tradition," "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," "If I Were A Rich Man" and "Sunrise, Sunset," Fiddler On The Roof is a timeless classic. Relive a glorious tradition of the musical theatre with Fiddler On The Roof.

For the entire family. fiddlerontour.com/

July 29 - August 30, 2009

WICKED

Civic Theatre

Back by "Popular" Demand. The NY Times calls WICKED "Broadway's biggest blockbuster," and when it first played San Diego in 2006, it broke box office records and sold out in record time. Winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards®; the SD Union-Tribune said "WICKED delights a spellbound audience ... clever ... wonderful'; and the North County Times agreed "Spectacular, entertaining ... worth the wait ... engaging, clever and funny ... magical." Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for "the most complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time" - USA Today. Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED, winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz. Tickets on sale now through season tickets and group sales only. wickedthemusical.com