Here’s a lesson in theater arithmetic: One spoonful of sugar + one alley full of sharks + one forest full of fairytale misfits = one enchanting year of programming (or one wild drug trip).
Last week Broadway in Tucson announced its 2011-2012 lineup, and the program is bloated with big names that transcend generations. It’s also got a modest serving of hair metal, which transcends health codes about how many chemicals a man can pour on his head.
Season ticket packages cost between $66 – $355 depending how many shows you want to see and whether or not you care about good seats. As a new policy this year, students will be able to buy discounted seats in the “”C”” and “”D”” section for all performances. Visit broadwayintucson.com for a seating chart of the theater, and to buy tickets.
COMING THIS YEAR:
WEST SIDE STORY
September 20-25, 2011
Tucson Music Hall
While reading “”Romeo and Juliet”” in sophomore English lectures, who among us didn’t think, “”This is fine, but it would be a lot cooler if it was set in a 1950’s New York slum””? This tale of love, hate and ethnically-opposed gangs with suspicious choreography skills has dazzled Broadway for more than 50 years, and now it’s coming to dazzle Tucson. The soundtrack by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, including the oft-referenced “”Maria,”” “”I Feel Pretty”” and “”America,”” should speak (or sing) for itself.
SHREK THE MUSICAL
October 18-23, 2011
Tucson Music Hall
Hey kids, if you haven’t had enough Shrek in the form of four feature films (the first one came out 10 years ago, btw), 20 video games (seriously, look it up), theme park rides and fast food tie-ins, you’re in luck! “”Shrek the Musical”” is on its way. Featuring 19 original songs, lush scenery and all your favorite characters from the original film, this production is an ogre-lover’s dream.
ROCK OF AGES
March 13-18, 2012
Tucson Music Hall
While the kids are Far, Far Away, the parents can “”Cum on (and) Feel the Noize.”” Rock of Ages takes place in late-’80s L.A., and is loaded with enough hairspray and explosive power ballads to create a fire hazard. Enjoy hits from Poison, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Whitesnake and more. Definitely check it out if you find yourself with “”Too Much Time on (your) Hands.””
IN THE HEIGHTS
April 24-29, 2012
Tucson Music Hall
Like “”West Side Story,”” this Tony Award-winning musical examines immigrant culture in New York. Unlike “”West Side Story,”” gangs are replaced with coffee shops, and violent revenge replaced with family values. This acclaimed crowd-pleaser that “”carries the rhythm of three generations of music,”” according to the official website, is sure to be breezy family fare.
MARY POPPINS
May 15-20, 2012
Tucson Music Hall
Life sucks for the Banks children until a magical governess floats into their foggy London flat via stealth umbrella. We’ve all been there. Enjoy this new vision of the 1964 Disney classic, featuring all the songs you love (“”Step in Time,”” for the win) and original choreography. If the show isn’t practically perfect in every way, there’s always VHS.
