The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts’ 2014-2015 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay season is filled with Tony Award®-winners, hit songs, beloved stories and jaw-dropping spectacle.
The Broadway series features the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Revival Pippin, new productions of family favorites Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella and Annie, the exciting worldwide sensation Dirty Dancing, the record-breaking smash hit Motown: The Musical, the awe-inspiring feats of The Illusionists and, just in time for the holidays, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera. The series will also include a show to be announced in the Straz Center’s intimate Jaeb Theater.
In addition to the eight-show Broadway season and back by popular demand following its record-breaking two week engagement in 2013, the multi-Tony Award®-winning musical from the creators of South Park, The Book of Mormon, will return for a limited engagement. The Straz Center will also present an encore engagement of the classic tale Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, presented by NETworks.
“Our Broadway season is once again filled with the top-notch shows that our audiences have come to expect and enjoy,” said Judith Lisi, president and CEO of the Straz Center. “Our 2014-15 Broadway season will showcase a wide array of entertaining and rewarding theatrical productions. This season truly has something for everyone.”
The 2014-2015 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay season is presented in the Straz Center’s acoustically perfect Carol Morsani Hall, the largest on the west coast of Florida, with more than 2,600 seats. The season features:
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella
October 21-26, 2014
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love – the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more – plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream … or a really great pair of shoes.
Dirty Dancing
December 2-7, 2014
Dirty Dancing – The classic story on stage is a record-breaking live theater sensation, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing. London’s Sunday Express says “This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!” Featuring the hit songs “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do you Love Me?” and the heart-stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” You’ll have the time of your life!
The Phantom of the Opera
December 17, 2014 – January 4, 2015
Following an acclaimed sold-out tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success, The Phantom of the Opera, will come to Tampa as part of a brand new North American Tour. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is “bigger and better than ever before.” This Phantom features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award®-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award®-winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler and a new staging by director Laurence Connor. The production, overseen by Matthew Bourne and Mackintosh, boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score – with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask Of You” and “Masquerade” – will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this Phantom one of the largest productions now on tour.
Annie
February 17-22, 2015
Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin, 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 Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”
Motown: The Musical
March 17-22, 2015
“More than a Broadway show. A celebration of music that transformed America!”– CBS Sunday Morning.
It began as one man’s story … became everyone’s music … and is now Broadway’s musical. Motown: The Musical is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit Motown: The Musical!
Pippin
April 14-19, 2015
Join us… for this magical, unforgettable production the New York Times declared “Astonishing! A Pippin for the 21st Century.” Pippin is back on Broadway for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago and it won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. With a beloved score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked), Pippin tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory? This captivating new production is directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus (Hair and The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess). It features sizzling choreography in the style of Bob Fosse and breathtaking acrobatics by Les 7 doigts de la main, the creative force behind the nationwide sensation Traces.
The Illusionists
May 26-31, 2015
“It’s deliciously, self-knowingly over the top and brain-bendingly spectacular – genuinely satisfying family entertainment that should not be missed.” – The Daily Telegraph.
Direct from Broadway, the world’s best-selling magic show is coming to Tampa. This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. The Illusionists 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.
Also on the 2014-2015 season will be a Straz Center-produced show, presented in the intimate Jaeb Theater. Details will be announced later.
Broadway encores:
The Book of Mormon
January 20 – February 1, 2015
The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” Washington Post says, “it is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: The funniest musical of all time.” Jon Stewart of The Daily Show calls it “a crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry.” It’s The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award®-winning Best Musical from the creators of South Park. Contains explicit language.
NETworks presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
May 5-10, 2015
Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast!
The 2014-2015 Bank of America Best of Broadway Tampa Bay series is presented by the David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Current season ticket holders will receive renewal invoices. Those renewals will be handled before new subscriptions are processed, but patrons can sign up now to become new season ticket holders. Straz Center members are given first priority for new season tickets. New season ticket orders will be handled in the order they are received. For more information, email the Straz Center at tickets@strazcenter.org or call the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office at (813) 229-STAR (7827) or outside the Tampa Bay area at (800) 955-1045 or visit strazcenter.org. Group tickets are also on sale now and individual show tickets will go on sale at a later date to be announced.
Events, days, dates, times, performers and prices are subject to change without notice.
