STELLAR SEASON CHANGES ANNOUNCED: CHRISTMAS STORY – THE MUSICAL AND SISTER ACT TO TAKE THE STAGE. Just when you thought the season couldn’t get any better–it did. The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and School of Theatre Arts is dedicated to providing audiences with the highest quality performances to create an artistic blend of theatre classics, family favorites, and new to their stage productions. “We have a vast selection of titles we want to bring to life and we are diligent in providing West Michigan a rewarding theatre experience, notes Executive and Artistic Director, Bruce Tinker.”
Tinker explains, “Great time and consideration is taken when setting our season selection. But all shows are announced ’as rights pending’ because these can change for Community Theatre at any time.” While the Civic works hard to minimize changes to a season, it does occasionally happen. Also as one of the leading Community Theatres in the nation, the Theatre is called upon when shows are being released to limited markets, providing us with the honor of being one of the first to produce a piece.
For the 2015/2016 Season, both occurrences happened. As a result, Peter Pan and My Fair Lady will be replaced with two new to our stage musicals. In their absence the Theatre presents: A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL: We are thrilled that Civic Theatre has been selected to this new musical, currently only available in select cities each season. This show features a wonderful, heartwarming score and Ralphie’s fantasies about the evil he will conquer with his trusty Red Ryder are a hoot. A CHRISTMAS STORY, THE MUSICAL is a fabulous celebration of the magic of childhood, especially when you are an adult! Tinker stated, “When we were asked to produce the show, we were told that this is likely the only opportunity we will have because Michigan was a target for the 2016 tour.
We wanted to be the first Theatre to bring this holiday experience to our West Michigan Community!” Civic was asked to be among the first community theatres to produce Sister Act as it is being released to limited theatres. This call came on the heels of learning, MY FAIR LADY, was placed in restriction by the Authors’ agents and is not available at this time. Perhaps this was divine intervention as SISTER ACT is the feel-amazing musical comedy smash based on the hit 1992 film that has audiences jumping to their feet! Featuring original music by TONY and 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (NEWSIES, BEAUTY & THE BEAST, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS), this uplifting musical was nominated for 5 TONY Awards including Best Musical and just completed a very successful Broadway and tour run.
SISTER ACT and Christmas Carol- the Musical each bring a delightful sparkle to an outstanding 90th Season. Also in the line-up, The Great Gatsby, Sleepy Hollow- A Musicla Tale, Neil Simon’s Barefoot in the Park, Freckle Face Strawberry, Caroline or Change and Stories from Wayside School and Into the Woods, Jr. Ticket Packages for the 2015/2016 Season are on sale now at significant Early Bird savings. The Season begins September 2015. See events calendar for specific days and times: http://grct.org/eventschedule.html For information on the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre or to purchase tickets, call 616-222-6650 or visit www.GRCT.org.
