TUTS lines up the classics for its 50th season
Theatre Under the Stars is hearkening back to the classics for its 50th anniversary season. During this 2018-19 run, the musical theater company is bringing back productions of various eras ranging from the 1940s to the 1990s.
The golden anniversary season will be the first full year under the leadership of artistic director Dan Knechtges, a Tonynominated Broadway and off-Broadway choreographer.
TUTS has yet to announce some new works and “community projects,” according to a statement, as well as the show for May 2018. But the full season is as follows:
‘Oklahoma!’
Sept. 11-23 Based on Lynn Riggs’ play, “Green Grow the Lilacs,” with music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
‘The Wiz’
Oct. 23-Nov. 4 Retelling of L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz,” with music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls and book by William F. Brown.
‘Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’
Dec. 11-23 This production is a call back to one of TUTS’ more prominent productions of the 1990s. The TUTS production of the Disney musical set box-office records for the most tickets sold in one day after an announcement that the run would be extended, according to the release. Score by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice and book by Linda Woolverton.
‘Mamma Mia!’
Feb. 19-March 3, 2019 Written by British playwright Catherine Johnson, with music and lyrics by Benny Anderson and Bjorn Ulvaeus of the Swedish music group ABBA.
‘Ragtime’
April 16-28, 2019 Based on E.L. Doctorow’s book. Book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. The 1998 Broadway production was nominated for 13 Tony Awards and won four, including for best original score.
To be announced
May 28-June 9, 2019 TUTS plans to announce the final production of the season later in 2018, saying, “This show has everything you’ve enjoyed seeing on our stages for the last 49 seasons.”