TPAC to launch 2017-18 Broadway season with new original musical "Part of the Plan"

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The non-profit Tennessee Performing Arts Center takes another historic step with its 2017-18 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series, presenting for the first time ever the world premiere of a developmental production of “Part of the Plan,” a new, original musical written by Kate Atkinson and Karen Harris and scored with the music and lyrics of famed singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg.

Produced by K-Squared Entertainment and co-produced by TPAC, “Part of the Plan” follows three turbulent decades in the lives of an adopted boy and the upper class teenaged girl who was forced to give him up and explores themes of love, loss, renewal, and how everything in life happens for a reason.

“Part of the Plan” marks the first time TPAC has produced and presented an original developmental production on its Broadway series. Helmed by Tony Award-nominated director and choreographer Lynne Taylor-Corbett, and with musical arrangements by Grammy Award winners Victor Vanacore and Laurence Juber, the musical features a mix of talented performers from New York, Los Angeles, and Nashville, including Broadway’s Harley Jay and Nashville’s own J.T. Hodges.

This new work launches a 2017/18 season that includes the Nashville debuts of contemporary Broadway hits like the 2015 Tony Award-winning Best Musical “Fun Home;” the Tony Award-winning “An American In Paris,” featuring the music of George and Ira Gershwin; the irresistible hit musical “Waitress,” inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s film and featuring original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy Award® nominee Sara Bareilles and the long-awaited continuation of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ultimate love story, “Love Never Dies”  the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera.

The season also will feature beloved classic titles like the Lincoln Center Theater production of “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King And I;” a new production based on the Tony-Winning revival of Roundabout Theatre Company’s production of “Cabaret” and the return of “Wicked,” which plays four weeks in 2018.

In addition, TPAC presents several special Broadway engagements, including the summer debut of “Disney’s The Little Mermaid;” the Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award-winning musical, “Jersey Boys;” Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning phenomenon, “Les Misérables,” which last played Nashville in 2011; and a limited engagement of the mind-blowing “The Illusionists – Live From Broadway.”

A full calendar of the 2017-18 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series and special presentations is listed below:

2017-18 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC

*PART OF THE PLAN – Sept. 8-24, 2017

FUN HOME – Oct. 10-15, 2017

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS – Oct. 31-Nov. 5, 2017

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S THE KING AND I – Jan. 30-Feb. 4, 2018

CABARET – Feb. 27-March 4, 2018

WICKED – April 3-8, 2018 (Week 2)

WAITRESS – June 5-10, 2018

LOVE NEVER DIES – June 19-24, 2018

*World premiere developmental production.

2017-18 Broadway Special Add-ons

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID – Aug. 1-6, 2017

LES MISÉRABLES – Nov. 14-19, 2017

JERSEY BOYS – Jan. 9-14, 2018

THE ILLUSIONISTS – LIVE FROM BROADWAYTM – Feb. 16-18, 2018

WICKED – March 28-April 22, 2018 (Weeks 1, 3, 4)

Season tickets and group tickets are now available. The cost of an eight-show season package for the 2017-18 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series starts at $263. Season ticket holders save up to 25% versus purchasing each show individually. New this year, patrons can purchase a flex package of four or more shows in the series. Monthly payment options are available.

Single tickets for individual shows go on sale approximately eight to ten weeks prior to the performance.

Season ticket holders receive exclusive benefits and services not available to the general public, including free ticket exchange privileges if their plans change, lower ticket processing fees, additional pre-sale offers to other TPAC-presented shows, and flexible payment plans.

Current season ticket holders will soon receive information on how to renew their tickets. TPAC Subscriber Services is accepting new orders, processed on a “first come-first served” basis after seating assignments are made for renewing season ticket holders.

For more information, visit www.TPAC.org/Broadway, where season tickets may be purchased, or call TPAC Subscriber Services 615-782-6560 or 800-410-4216 if you live outside Nashville. For information on group tickets, call the TPAC Group Sales staff at 615-782-4060.

Full descriptions of the titles in the eight-show season package and special add-ons are included below from text provided by the producers of each show:

PART OF THE PLAN *** World Premiere ***

Sept. 8-24, 2017

Renewing Season Ticket Holder Week Sept. 12-17

New Season Ticket Holder Week Sept. 19-24

http://www.danfogelbergmusical.com/

PART OF THE PLAN is a new American musical – a captivating story scored with the music and lyrics of the late, celebrated singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg. Produced by K-Squared Entertainment in association with the Nashville-based non-profit Tennessee Performing Arts Center, this show marks TPAC’s first original production. Directed by Tony-nominated Lynne Taylor-Corbett, with book by Kate Atkinson & Karen Harris, this developmental production follows the lives of an adopted boy and the teenaged girl of privilege who was forced to give him up. PART OF THE PLAN takes audiences through the post-World War II boom times, the social and sexual revolution of the 1960s, and the political upheaval of the 1970s, while exploring the theme that everything in life happens for a reason. Seamlessly interweaving the iconic music of an authentic American Troubadour, PART OF THE PLAN brings Fogelberg's music to a new generation who may not know his work, to those who may have forgotten his artistry, and to the many die-hard fans who long to hear his music in all forms. Contains adult language and some military situations.

FUN HOME

Oct. 10-15, 2017

www.funhomemusical.com

Every once in a while a Broadway musical comes along that surprises, moves and excites audiences in ways only a truly landmark musical can.  The “groundbreaking,”1 “exquisite”2 and “unforgettable”3 new musical FUN HOME was the event of the Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike, winning five 2015 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL and making history along the way.  Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, FUN HOME introduces us to Alison at three different ages as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood. A refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes, “FUN HOME is extraordinary, a rare beauty that pumps fresh air into Broadway.” (The New York Times) Recommended for ages 13+ due to adult themes

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

Oct. 31-Nov. 5, 2017

http://www.anamericaninparisbroadway.com/

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the new Tony Award®-winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl, and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award®-winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2015 season! The New York Times raves, “AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is a triumph! Pure joy!” and the Wall Street Journal declares, “Once you’ve seen it, you’ll find it hard to settle for less ever again.” Don’t miss this stunning Broadway hit when it arrives in Nashville on its first national tour!

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S THE KING AND I

Jan. 30-Feb. 4, 2018

www.thekinganditour.com

Two worlds collide in the Lincoln Center Theater production of this “breathtaking and exquisite” (The New York Times) musical, directed by Bartlett Sher. One of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works, THE KING AND I boasts a score that features such beloved classics as “Getting To Know You,” “I Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello, Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance” and “Something Wonderful.” Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. Winner of the 2015 Tony Award® for Best Musical Revival, THE KING AND I is “too beautiful to miss” (New York Magazine).

CABARET

Feb. 27-March 4, 2018

www.cabaretmusical.com

Based on Roundabout Theatre Company’s Tony Award®-winning production, Sam Mendes (Skyfall, American Beauty) and Rob Marshall’s (Into the Woods and Chicago, the films), CABARET comes to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on February 27, 2018. Welcome to the infamous Kit Kat Klub, where the Emcee, Sally Bowles, and a raucous ensemble take the stage nightly to tantalize the crowd – and to leave their troubles outside. But as life in pre-WWII Germany grows more and more uncertain, will the decadent allure of Berlin nightlife be enough to get them through their dangerous times? Come hear some of the most memorable songs in theatre history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.” Leave your troubles outside – life is beautiful at CABARET–  John Kander, Fred Ebb and Joe Masteroff’s Tony-winning musical about following your heart while the world loses its way. Contains mature content.

WICKED

March 28-April 22, 2018

http://www.wickedthemusical.com

WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle.  Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin—smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” From the first electrifying note to the final breathtaking moment, WICKED—the untold true story of the Witches of Oz—transfixes audiences with its wildly inventive story that USA Today cheers is “a complete triumph! An original musical that will make you laugh, cry, and think.”

WAITRESS

June 5-10, 2018

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song"), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland). "It's an empowering musical of the highest order!" raves the Chicago Tribune. Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna - a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. "WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!" says Entertainment Weekly and "a monumental contribution to Broadway!" according to Marie Claire. Don't miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie.

LOVE NEVER DIES

June 19-24, 2018

www.loveneverdies.com

The ultimate love story continues in LOVE NEVER DIES, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. Ten years after disappearing from the Paris Opera House, the Phantom has a new life in New York where he lives amongst the joy rides and freak shows of Coney Island. Christine Daaé, now one of the world’s finest sopranos, is coming to perform in New York. In a final bid to win back Christine’s love, the Phantom lures her, Raoul, and their young son to the glittering and glorious world of Coney Island… not knowing what is in store for them… Described by The Australian as “The best thing Lloyd Webber has written in the quarter century since The Phantom of the Opera,” LOVE NEVER DIES is a dazzling new production, which takes audiences on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of intrigue, obsession, and romance.

2016-17 Broadway Special Add-ons

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID

Aug. 1-6, 2017

In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, with music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, it’s a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Come fall in love with the magic for the first time—or all over again with classics such as “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl, “Part of Your World” and more!  Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID is produced by Pittsburgh CLO & Kansas City Starlight. "One of the most ravishing things I have ever seen on a Broadway stage." - Time Magazine

LES MISÉRABLES

Nov. 14-19, 2017

Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck, cheering “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1). Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, LES MISÉRABLES tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring the thrilling score and beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars," “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Seen by more than 70 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, LES MISÉRABLES is still the world’s most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere in its 32nd year.

JERSEY BOYS

Jan. 9-14, 2018

More than 40,000 theatergoers cheered when JERSEY BOYS made its three-week Nashville debut in 2009. Worldwide, more than 24 million people have seen JERSEY BOYS. And now, the show that made audiences cheer will return to Music City! JERSEY BOYS is the Tony®, Grammy® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the true story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. They wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were 30!  JERSEY BOYS features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh, What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” The JERSEY BOYS creative team comprises two-time Tony Award®-winning director Des McAnuff, book writers Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, composer Bob Gaudio, lyricist Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio Trujillo. Jersey Boys contains authentic “profane Jersey language.” Recommended for ages 12+.

THE ILLUSIONISTS – LIVE FROM BROADWAYTM

Feb. 16-18, 2018

http://www.theillusionistslive.com/

Direct from Broadway, the world’s best-selling magic show is coming to Nashville!

This mind-blowing spectacular showcases the jaw-dropping talents of five of the most incredible Illusionists on earth.  THE ILLUSIONISTSTM – LIVE FROM BROADWAYTM 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.

The 2017-18 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series is supported by The HCA Foundation on behalf of HCA and the TriStar Family of Hospitals. Institutional sponsors for TPAC include Nissan North America and Coca-Cola. Media sponsors for the season include The Tennessean and NewsChannel 5. TPAC is funded in part by support from the Tennessee Arts Commission and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission. TPAC reminds ticket buyers that the only official place to buy tickets online is TPAC.org.

# # #