BACK TO BROADWAY
Popejoy Hall’s 2021-22 season includes ‘Hamilton,’ ‘Jersey Boys,’ ‘Mean Girls’
Broadway is coming back to New Mexico. Popejoy Hall released the schedule for its 20212022 season, which includes a new date for the blockbuster musical “Hamilton.”
The Tony Award-winning musical will now take the stage for 24 performances from Jan. 25 to Feb. 13, 2022.
The Haverland Carter Broadway in New Mexico series will open on Nov. 2 with “Jersey Boys.”
Popejoy Hall has been closed to the public since March 2020 due to the pandemic.
“Despite the unprecedented circumstances that have kept Popejoy Hall dark since March, we know the postponed season will be worth the wait,” says Tom Tkach, director of Popejoy Hall. “We look forward to reopening our doors and presenting this much anticipated season. When we reopen, we will follow all local, state, federal and university guidelines to ensure the health and safety of our patrons.”
Planning for Popejoy’s reopening includes adding a security screen between UNM’s Center for the Arts lobby and Popejoy’s lobby.
Tkach says there will also be touch-free mobile ticketing, which will be done through popejoypresents.com.
“We encourage all patrons to sign up for mobile ticketing,” he says.
Tkach says planning to bring back 2,000 to Popejoy Hall has taken a lot of work, but he’s confident that the staff and volunteers will be able to keep everyone safe.
“Social distancing is still important,” he says. “We are keeping our eyes on what the health orders are also requiring, as well as the vaccine. I think the new season will be something for everyone to see.”
Although many shows from the canceled 2020-2021 season have been rescheduled, the season holds a surprise for Broadway fans.
Adapted from the cult classic 2004 comedy penned by Tina Fey, “Mean Girls,” on its first national tour, replaces “Hairspray.” It will be presented on stage in December.
According to Popejoy, Broadway in New Mexico subscribers will have their “Hairspray” tickets automatically updated to “Mean Girls.”
The schedule is:
NOV. 4-7 — “Jersey Boys” tells the story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, who battled offstage.
DEC. 7-DEC. 12 — “Mean Girls” follows Cady Heron, who grew up on an African savanna. Nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois.
JAN. 25-FEB. 13, 2022 — “Hamilton” has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater —a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education.
MARCH 3-6, 2022 — “Anastasia” is inspired by the beloved films. The dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past.
OVATION SERIES
OCT. 16 — “The Daily Show Writers Comedy Tour” features Comedy Central’s comics behind the jokes that make America laugh every weeknight on the network’s premier late-night show.
NOV. 12 — Cirque Mechanics — “Birdhouse Factory” is a most unlikely setting for a circus where workers are acrobats and machines are circus props.
NOV. 14 — The Righteous Brothers featuring Bill Medley and Bucky Heard features the hits “Lovin’ Feelin’,” “Soul and Inspiration,” “Unchained Melody” and “Rock and Roll Heaven.”
DEC. 17 — “Christmas With the 5 Browns” features Ryan, Melody, Gregory, Deondra, and Desirae Brown, who all attended New York’s Juilliard School, the first family of five siblings ever accepted simultaneously.
DEC. 19 — “Mariachi Christmas” is a New Mexico holiday tradition featuring the sights and sounds of Christmas in Mexico as folklorico dancing accompanies the clear peal of trumpets in Popejoy’s annual celebration.
2022 DATES
JAN. 13 — The Temptations began their musical life in Detroit in the early 1960s when “The Way You Do the Things You Do” turned the group into one of Motown Records’ biggest success stories.
FEB. 18 — “Ailey II” flourished into one of the most popular dance companies in America under the leadership of Sylvia Waters from 1974 to 2012, combining a rigorous touring schedule with extensive community outreach programs.
FEB. 19 — The Ten Tenors present “Love Is in the Air,” which celebrates the glory of love and features many of the best amorous pop songs, ballads and arias of all time.
FEB. 20 — The Glenn Miller Orchestra — from 1939 to 1944 — had over 70 Top Ten hits, including “Moonlight Serenade,” “In the Mood,” “Tuxedo Junction,” “A String of Pearls,” and many more.
MARCH 11 — “Lucy Loves Desi” tells the behindthe-scenes story of “I Love Lucy.” Presented by LA Theatreworks.
MARCH 17 — Danú transports audiences on a joyful musical journey to Ireland, offering a moving and memorable performance, mixing traditional tunes with their own original songs.
MARCH 18 — “Sweet Honey in the Rock” mixes traditional African music, gospel, a touch of heightened feminist and civil-rights consciousness with some strong and spiritual African-American performers.
MARCH 19 — “F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” which is set in the Jazz Age and follows millionaire Jay Gatsby’s pursuit to recapture the romance of his youth.
MARCH 20 — “Macbeth” begins on a deserted, mistcovered moor, as a battleweary warrior encounters three witches who deliver a chilling prophecy: He will be crowned king.
MARCH 25 — “Piano Battle” features Paul Cibis and Andreas Kern as they perform an all-new mix of classical and popular tunes in an epic musical duel.
MARCH 27 — “Bessie, Billie & Nina — Pioneering Women in Jazz” celebrates the enduring legacies of these iconic artists with performances of the classic songs.
APRIL 2 — “The Peking Acrobats” features gymnasts, jugglers, cyclists, and tumblers that bring an amazing mixture of entertainment.
RESCHEDULED SHOWS
SEPT. 25 — “Killer Queen” JAN. 9, 2022 — Canadian Brass
MARCH 10, 2022 — “Broadway Princess Party” APRIL 3, 2022 — Drum Tao MAY 11-15, 2022 — “Come From Away”