When I found out that the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts was no longer doing business with Adam Epstein's Theatre Council, the Chicago-based company that handled the Broadway in Columbus series, I thought it was a big mistake.
I mean, Adam had access to a lot of shows because he was booking them for multiple theaters around the country.
After I found out what the RiverCenter has in store for next season, I have to eat my words.
It is a fantastic season!
"It's a good season," said RiverCenter executive director Enoch Morris. "I'm excited."
So am I.
In seasons past, the Broadway series was announced in mid-June, months after the International, Variety and Discovery series were announced. This year, it's the first to be announced.
Morris made the announcement a few minutes ago before the start of "Ring of Fire."
Patrons at tonight's “Ring of Fire” show will find order forms were placed on each season subscriber's seat. New subscribers could also buy their tickets, though their seat assignments will not be given out until the current season subscribers turn in their forms.
The season opens Nov. 17-18 with "The Pajama Game," the Tony Award-winning show about a feisty employee in a factory that makes pajamas. Songs include "Steam Heat," "Hey There" and "Hernando's Hideaway."
"Nunsense," Dec. 2-3, is about the Little Sisters of Hoboken who discover their cook, Sister Julia, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters. They need money to bury five of them, so they put on a variety show. It stars Sally Struthers.
"Ain''t Misbehavin'," Jan. 20-21, is on its 30th anniversary tour. The 1978 hit stars 2003 "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard and 2003 contestant Frenchie Davis, who recently finished a run on Broadway in "Rent." It's based on songs by Fats Waller.
"The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," March 9-10, is the Tony Award-winning musical about six young people competing in a spelling bee.
The season ends with "The Drowsy Chaperone," May 5-6. It's a new musical about a man who buys his favorite cast album for a 1928 hit called "The Drowsy Chaperone," about a celebrity bride and her wedding day. While listening to the album, the musical magically comes to life.
When the Springer Opera House did "Ain't Misbehavin' " in 1994, it became my favorite musical there. Of course, the cast was fabulous and the director (Mercedes Ellington) divine. No other production could touch that one. So, of course, I'm curious to see the 30th anniversary of the show.
Columbus State University did "Nunsense" in 1992 and it was the funniest thing I'd seen in a long time. I still giggle thinking about Nancy Shores as the mother superior.
The two new musicals are ones I want to see. And if Harry Connick Jr. was in the tour of "The Pajama Game," I'll be first in line to buy tickets. But he's not.
Let me know what you think of this line-up.
TICKET INFORMATION
Season tickets: $160.50-$200.50, on sale now
Single tickets: Go on sale six weeks before each show
Information: 706-256-3612
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