A Golden Anniversary for Broadway in Jacksonville

The FSCJ Artist Series is celebrating its 50 years with an exciting calendar of award-winning blockbusters and family favorites for its 2015-2016 season. The Broadway in Jacksonville season kicks off with Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! on Dec 1-6. The classic holiday musical will enchant adults and children alike.

Audiences will find their hearts growing a few sizes along with the Grinch’s when they experience the magic of the beloved tale on stage, which features the hit songs ‘You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch’ and ‘Welcome Christmas’ (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss), from the original, animated television special. Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical features magnificent sets designed by John Lee Beatty and costumes designed by Robert Morgan, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original book, while the music and book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story.

The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, 42nd Street dances onto the Artist series stage Jan 12-17. The song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as ‘We’re In The Money,’ ‘Lullaby of Broadway,’ ‘Shuffle Off To Buffalo,’ ‘Dames,’ ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’ and, of course, ‘42nd Street.’

Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, 42nd Street tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the star breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star. With a book by Michael Stewart and Mark Bramble, music by Harry Warren and lyrics by Al Dubin, this sparkling new production will be directed by co-author Mark Bramble and choreographed by Randy Skinner.

The spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success, The Phantom of the Opera comes to Jacksonville Feb 10-21. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is “bigger and better than ever before.” The production features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, 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. Exciting special effects include the show’s legendary chandelier. The 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 one of the largest productions now on tour.

Motown The Musical, playing April 19-24, tells 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 more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Experience the story behind the music in this record-breaking smash hit featuring classic songs such as ‘My Girl’ and ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.’.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is staged Oct 9-11 and features the Academy Award-winning score with music by Alan Menken. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped with a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. Based on the 1991 Academy Award-winning animated feature film and celebrating 20 years since its Broadway premiere in 1994, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast has become an international sensation that has been seen by over 35 million people worldwide in 22 countries, and has been translated into 9 different languages.

The smash hit musical Mamma Mia comes to Jacksonville May 6-7, 2016. Mamma Mia combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including ‘Dancing Queen,’ ‘S.O.S.,’ ‘Super Trouper,’ ‘Take A Chance on Me’ and ‘The Winner Takes It All,’ with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. Whether it’s your first visit or your fourteenth, audiences love the show that has the whole world coming back for more because every time feels like the first time.

Season tickets to the FSCJ Artist Series’ 2015-2016 Broadway in Jacksonville Season, are available by calling 442-2929 or 1-888-860-BWAY or online at www.artistseriesjax.org.