Walton Arts Center announces 2010-11 broadway series

On Friday, the Walton Arts Center announced the six shows that will be included in this year’s broadway series, as well as three more shows that will be coming to the performing arts center in 2010-11.

Beauty and the Beast, The Color Purple, Young Frankenstein, Mamma Mia!, Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway, and Les Misérables make up this year’s P&G Broadway Series.

Those who subscribed to the broadway series last year can renew their subscription now. New subscribers will be able to purchase the six-show broadway packages on April 5.

Subscribers also get access to the best seats, and may reserve the same seats for all shows in the subscription, along with discounts and exchange privileges.

The WAC also announced three additional shows not included in the broadway packages; Blue Man Group, Spring Awakening, and Monty Python’s Spamalot. Broadway subscribers will have first access to these shows, as well as 10-15 more shows expected to be announced soon.

Create-your-own packages are expected to go on sale April 19th, and single tickets to all Broadway shows will be available in early summer.

Here’s more info on the broadway series, as well as the three additional shows announced Friday.

2010-11 P&G Broadway Series

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Tuesday, July 27 – Sunday, August 1, 2010

Presented by NETworks, one of the most beautiful love stories ever told comes to life in the hit Broadway musical Disney’s Beauty and The Beast. Based on the Oscar-winning animated feature film, this spectacle has won the hearts of more than 35 million people worldwide. An international sensation for all generations, this musical is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers.

The Color Purple
Tuesday, October 19 – Sunday, October 24, 2010

Based on the classic novel by Alice Walker and award-winning Steven Spielberg film, this soul-stirring musical tells the unforgettable story of a woman named Celie, who finds her unique voice in the world. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards, this landmark Broadway phenomenon boasts a Grammy-nominated score that features jazz, gospel and blues. The Color Purple is an inspiration to young and old alike, uniting audiences in a community of joy.

Young Frankenstein
Tuesday, December 14 – Sunday, December 19, 2010

This classic Mel Brooks movie is alive and embarking on a national stage tour. This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to create a monster – but not without hilarious complications. The brains behind the laughter are the legendary Mel Brooks and his record-breaking team from The Producers. Young Frankenstein delivers all your favorite moments from the classic film, plus brand-new numbers for the stage.

Mamma Mia!
Tuesday, February 8 – Sunday, February 13, 2011

More than 40 million people worldwide have fallen in love with the characters, the story and the music of Mamma Mia! This sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise as a young woman, on the eve of her wedding, embarks on a quest to find the identity of her father – bringing three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.

Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway
Tuesday, March 29 – Sunday, April 3, 2011

A musical revue of Broadway’s most celebrated shows, Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway features a dazzling cast of five Broadway stars accompanied by an all-star New York band. This scintillating tune-filled tribute recreates the greatest moments from the finest shows of the century, featuring the actual stars of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, CATS and more. Neil Berg presents brilliantly revived arrangements of Broadway classics, as well as thrilling numbers from Broadway’s newest hit shows.

Les Misérables
Tuesday, May 3 – Sunday, May 8, 2011

Cameron Mackintosh presents this 25th Anniversary production of the legendary musical, Les Misérables. With new staging and re-imagined scenery, this new production has been acclaimed by critics and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. Originally based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables tells an uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. It features a magnificent score that includes classic songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “One Day More,” “Master of the House” and many more.

Additional shows

(Not included in Broadway Packages)

Blue Man Group
Thursday, Sep. 2 – Saturday, Sep. 11, 2010

Blue Man Group combines comedy, music and technology to produce a unique form of entertainment that thrills audiences with its high-octane theatrics. With no spoken words, Blue Man Group is a perfect show for all ages, languages and cultures. This will be the first stop on Blue Man Group’s nationwide tour! The group will be conducting technical rehearsals two weeks prior to their performances; learning and engagement opportunities for the public during this rehearsal time are currently in the works and will be announced at a later date.

Spring Awakening
Thursday, Nov. 11 & Friday, Nov. 12, 2010

Broadway’s most talked about new musical is now the biggest Tony Award winner in years. A fusion of morality, sexuality and rock-n-roll, Spring Awakening celebrates the remarkable journey from youth to adulthood. This production contains strong adult content, language and situations.

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT
Friday, Nov. 19 & Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010

Lovingly ripped off from the film classic “Monty Python and The Holy Grail,” the 2005 Tony Award winner for Best Musical is back! Flying cows, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up SPAMALOT.