Announcing the Broadway Grand Rapids 2011-2012 Season

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW

The 2011-2012 season for Broadway Grand Rapids (BGR) raises the curtain on an impressive new level of performance with show-stopping blockbusters including the 25th Anniversary production of Les Misérables and the high-flying family favorite, Mary Poppins.

The 5-Show Subscription Series is Come Fly Away, Irving Berlin's White Christmas, Les Misérables, Million Dollar Quartet, and Mary Poppins. In addition to the subscription series BGR will also offer special engagements of Under the Streetlamp, The Addams Family and Cats. All performances are at DeVos Performance Hall in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Season tickets are available now at up to 30% off 5-show packages which start as low as $128.

Subscribe today and get great shows, great dates & great rates!

5-Show Subscription Series

Come Fly Away

October 4-9, 2011

Come Fly Away is the new Broadway musical that brings together the legendary music of Frank Sinatra and the creative vision of Tony Award-winner Twyla Tharp (Movin’ Out). This one-of-a-kind experience combines the seductive vocals of “Ol’ Blue Eyes” with the sizzling sound of a live on-stage big band and the visceral thrill of Tharp’s choreography. As 15 of the world’s best dancers tell the story of four couples falling in and out of love, you will experience the exhilaration of a first kiss, the excitement of a first dance, and the bittersweet moments of a first good-bye in a world of sparkling romances and astonishing beauty. Come Fly Away is a co-presentation of Broadway Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Ballet Company.

Irving Berlin's White Christmas

November 15-20, 2011

Get ready to discover a delightful new show that’s as fresh and rare as newly fallen snow! The classic holiday tradition White Christmas comes to the stage at last, as a brand new Irving Berlin musical direct from Broadway and opening at DeVos Performance Hall this November. Irving Berlin’s White Christmas tells the story of two showbiz buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding their perfect mates in the bargain. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!

Les Misérables

November 29-December 4, 2011

Dream the dream. Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boubill and Schönberg’s legendary musical, Les Misérables, with glorious new staging and dazzling reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. The New York Times calls this Les Misérables “an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish.” The London Times hails the new show “a five star hit, astonishingly powerful.” Les Misérables is a co-presentation of Broadway Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Ballet Company.

Million Dollar Quartet

January 17-22, 2012

Million Dollar Quartet is the smash hit Broadway musical, inspired by the true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians were gathered by Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ‘n’ Roll” at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time. Million Dollar Quartet brings that legendary night to life with an irresistable tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal and celebrations featuring a score of rock hits including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "That's All Right," "Sixteen Tons," "Great Balls of Fire," "Walk the Line," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Who Do You Love?," "Matchbox," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Hound Dog" and more.

Disney & Cameron Mackintosh present Mary Poppins

February 21-26, 2012

Mary Poppins is bringing its own brand of Broadway magic to theaters across the country, which has Variety raving, “This is the rare touring production that over-delivers on every level!” Featuring the irresistable story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus brand-new breathtaking dance numbers and spectacular stage-craft, Mary Poppins is everything you could ever want in a hit Broadway show! So get swept up in the fun of this high-flying musical the New York Post gives four out of four stars and calls “a perfect piece of musical theater.”

Special Events available to Season Ticket Holders before the General Public

Under the Streetlamp

October 16, 2011

Rock and Roll is here to stay as recent leading cast members of the Tony Award-winning smash hit Jersey Boys deliver the sounds of the sixties in an electrifying evening of unforgettable hits. You’re gonna hear-some-of-that-rock-and-roll-music, as well as doo-wop ditties, Motown melodies, and cool Rat Pack favorites. Amazingly, these four guys, each a gifted performer, met playing in a band onstage and later went on to form a real rock sensation of their very own. They have thrilled sold-out houses throughout the country and each carries with him an impressive list of credits. Between them, they have appeared on Broadway, in feature films, and on your television. Under the Streetlamp offers audiences the rare opportunity to get to know these rising stars of stage and screen as they relate hilarious and touching stories of a life lived in show business. Complete with an orchestra comprised of world-class jazz musicians, Under the Streetlamp is clean outta sight!

The Addams Family

May 22-26, 2012

The weird and wonderful family comes to devilishly delightful life in The Addams Family. This magnificently macabre new musical comedy is created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. This is definitely not the same old song and dance. It’s every parent’s nightmare. Your little girl has suddenly become a young woman, and what’s worse, has fallen deliriously in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Yes, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has a “normal” boyfriend, and for parents Gomez and Morticia, this shocking development will turn the Addams house downside up. It’s a family portrait that’s completely off the wall.

Cats

June 15-17, 2012

There's no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theatre than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of Cats. What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become one of the longest running shows in Broadway’s history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Cats features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless melodies, including the hit song, “Memory.”

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Broadway Grand Rapids offers a 5-Show Subscription package that offers up to 30% off individual ticket prices, discounts on Special Events, advance ticket purchasing before the general public for all presentations, easy payment plans, free lost-ticket replacement, no-fee ticket exchanges, personalized service, exclusive privileges, and the same reserved seats for each show. The Subscription Series package price ranges from $128 to $353, depending on seating section and performance day and time. The 2011-2012 Subscription Series may be renewed or purchased from Broadway Grand Rapids by calling 616-235-6285, in person at 122 Lyon Street NW in downtown Grand Rapids or by mail using the order form which can be downloaded at www.BroadwayGrandRapids.com. BGR office hours are 9 to 5 Monday through Thursday, and 9 to 4 on Fridays. The subscription renewal deadline is Friday, May 13th, 2011.

FOR BROADWAY GRAND RAPIDS’ GROUP DISCOUNTS, EMAIL groupsales@smggr.com OR CALL 616.742.6185.

All performances are at DeVos Performance Hall located at 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: www.BroadwayGrandRapids.com

Divas take Center Stage as the Grand Rapids Symphony Presents a “Wicked” Evening of Broadway Hits and Popular Favorites

Julia Murney and Jennifer Laura Thompson, stars of the smash Broadway hit “Wicked,” will join the Grand Rapids Symphony for a fantastic concert of diva showstoppers May 13-15. New York Pops Music Director Steven Reineke will lead the Grammy-nominated orchestra as guest conductor in a return engagement to DeVos Performance Hall that will showcase his exceptional artistry and boundless enthusiasm. “Wicked Divas” is this season’s final Fox Motors Pops concert and will feature popular favorites from “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Chicago” and “My Fair Lady,” among others. Performances will be held at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 13 and Saturday, May 14, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 15.

“I am looking forward to being back on the podium with the Grand Rapids Symphony conducting ‘Wicked Divas,’ with the stars from the hit Broadway musical,” Reineke explained. “I have put together a true diva tribute covering all styles of music and many favorite selections from pop, Broadway, Hollywood and more. It is sure to be a wicked fun evening of great music.”

Julia Murney has played the misunderstood wicked witch, Elphaba, on Broadway and on the national tour of “Wicked.” Her other New York shows including Andrew Lippia’s “The Wild Party,” for which she earned a Drama Desk nomination, as well as “Lennon,” “Crimes of the Heart” and others. From the Kennedy Center and Town Hall, she has also performed regionally with the Philly Pops and Cincinnati Pops. Murney also has a number of television credits, including “30 Rock,” “Sex and the City,” “NYPD Blue” and all three “Law and Orders.”

A native of Southfield and University of Michigan graduate, Jennifer Laura Thompson has played Glinda, the good witch, in “Wicked” on Broadway. She was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in “Urinetown,” and also has performed in “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Footloose” and the premier of “Little Miss Sunshine.” She has numerous off-Broadway roles to her credit, as well as appearances with the Atlanta Symphony, Toronto Symphony and others.

Murney and Thompson will sing favorites such as “I Could Have Danced All Night” from “My Fair Lady,” “My Heart Will Go On” from “Titanic” and, of course, “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked.” These classic songs will be interspersed with arrangements from Reineke such as “I Hear A Symphony: Symphonic Sounds of Diana Ross.”

One of the most sought-after pops conductors, composers and arrangers, Reineke was appointed principal pops conductor to the National Symphony Orchestra this season. His guest conducting appearances have included the Hollywood Bowl, where he performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and multi-faceted entertainer Wayne Brady, as well as with orchestras in Detroit, Houston, Toronto and Baltimore, among others. He has also collaborated with rock legend Peter Frampton.

“Our Broadway show is always some of the most exciting and popular music that we perform in the Fox Motors Pops Series,” said Associate Conductor John Varineau. “I am excited that we are featuring two of the leading ladies from the smash hit, ‘Wicked,’ along with the return of the fantastically talented conductor Steven Reineke.

“This will be an entire evening of showstoppers from Broadway and film, a perfect way to end our fantastic season of the Fox Motors Pops.”

Tickets are available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on the day of the concert at DeVos Performance Hall three hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased through Ticketmaster at 1.800.745.3000, online at ticketmaster.com, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets including D&W Fresh Market and select Family Fare locations.

To learn more about the Grand Rapids Symphony, please visit http://www.grsymphony.org/.

Kids’ Night on Broadway at Shrek the Musical

Join us for a special Kids Night with Maranda from WOOD TV 8

With the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket, a child, up to 18 years of age can see the show for free!

Kids’ Night comes to DeVos Performance Hall Wednesday, June 22 at 7:30pm for Shrek The Musical. With the purchase of a full-priced adult ticket, a child, up to 18 years of age can see the show for free! In addition to seeing a Broadway show for free, Kids’ Night guests will be treated to a host of activities with Maranda from WOOD TV 8 including story reading by one of the fairy tale creatures from the show from 6-7:30pm and many other great free activities.

Kids’ Night tickets are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000.

About Shrek The Musical — DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions, Ltd. are pleased to announce that SHREK THE MUSICAL with book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori, directed by Jason Moore and Rob Ashford, will play DeVos Performance Hall, for one week only, June 21-26, 2011.

SHREK THE MUSICAL is affordably priced from $34.50 and will perform 8 shows at DeVos Performance Hall from June 21-26, 2011. The performance schedule is Tuesday-Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8:00pm, Saturday at 2:00pm & 8:00pm, and Sunday at 1:00pm & 6:30pm. Tickets are available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, all Ticketmaster locations, ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000. Groups of 10 or more save 10%! Groups of 10 or more e-mail groupsales@smggr.com or call 616.742.6185. Group offer expires June 14, 2011.

SHREK THE MUSICAL tells the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren’t only found in fairy tales.

SHREK THE MUSICAL features a book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize® winner David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole), music by Olivier Award-winner Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Caroline, or Change), and is directed by Tony Award® nominee Jason Moore (Avenue Q) and Tony and Emmy Award-winner Rob Ashford (Thoroughly Modern Millie, Promises Promises). SHREK THE MUSICAL has set and costume designs by Tony Award® winner Tim Hatley (Private Lives, Spamalot), lighting design by Olivier Award winner Hugh Vanstone (A Steady Rain), sound design by Peter Hylenski (Rock of Ages); choreography by Josh Prince, music supervision by Tim Weil, music direction by Andy Grobengieser, and orchestrations by Danny Troob & John Clancy.

Important Information for Kids’ Night Ticket Purchasers

KIDS’ NIGHT ON BROADWAY is The Broadway League’s program where kids ages 6 to 18 can see Broadway shows for free when accompanied by a full-paying adult. The program makes theatre accessible, encourages theatre as a form of family entertainment, and builds larger audiences for the future. Adults purchasing a full-priced “adult” ticket will receive one free ticket for a child up through age 18 to the same show. Complimentary tickets MUST be used by a child. Tickets must be purchased in multiples of two; each ticket prints at half-price. Theatre personnel may ask to see identification of child at the door. Every individual attending must have a ticket. Not valid on previously purchased tickets.

Maranda: Where You Live

Where You Live is a weekly half-hour program hosted by Maranda. Each week’s show features a combination of information, inspiration and insights for West Michigan parents. The show is taped in communities through out West Michigan and is about real family life. Where You Live looks at issues impacting families and explores local angles on a wide variety of topics ranging from potty training to puberty and fitness to family fun. Maranda is the recipient of three Gracie Allen Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Women in Radio and Television West Michigan Chapter, an Emmy nomination and the Hope College Distinguished Alumni Award.

Grand Rapids Symphony Welcomes Jim Brickman, America’s Best-Selling Contemporary Solo Pianist, April 12

The Grand Rapids Symphony welcomes pianist Jim Brickman for a single performance on Tuesday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. in DeVos Performance Hall.

With six Gold and Platinum albums to his credit, Brickman will perform with the Grammy®-nominated Symphony to present an evening of popular romantic piano and orchestral music. Brickman, who has collaborated with many gifted musical artists, has been said to revolutionize the sound of solo piano with his pop-style instrumentals.

The concert is part of the SymphonicBoom series, which is designed to bring world-class entertainers and outside-the-box programming to West Michigan.

Associate Conductor John Varineau will lead the Symphony in the performance featuring Brickman, who is the best-selling contemporary solo pianist in America. The program will include many of his chart-topping hits, including “Crossroads,” “If You Believe,” “Hero’s Dream,” “Valentine” and “The Gift.”

“We are delighted to welcome Jim Brickman for his first performance with the Grand Rapids Symphony,” Varineau said. “His lush, expressive playing pairs perfectly with symphonic music. He is a tremendously engaging performer who truly connects with his audience through his music. It should be an outstanding evening.”

With the release of his debut album “No Words” in 1984, Brickman’s signature style of playing and songwriting have established him as “America’s romantic piano sensation.” In addition to his two Grammy nominations and best-selling albums, he has 28 charted radio hits, recently tying for most number one CDs on Billboard’s New Age chart.

Brickman regularly collaborates with chart-topping performers in a wide range of musical genres, from Martina McBride and Lady Antbellum to Carly Simon and Herb Alpert. His well-received 2010 album, “Home,” featured an eclectic mix of performers, including American Idol Matt Giraud, Australian pop star Delta Goodrem and award-winning country singer Ty Herndon.

Brickman tours extensively, performing more than 125 concerts each year. In addition to his touring schedule, he has taped four concert specials for PBS, written two best-selling books and supported charity organizations focused on children. He also hosts a weekly radio show, “Your Weekend.”

Tickets start at $32.Tickets are available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on the day of the concert two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased through ticketmaster.com, 800/982-2787, online at www.grsymphony.org, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets: select D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare Stores and WalMart. Tickets purchased at these locations will include a Ticketmaster service fee.

Thanks, West Michigan: Grand Rapids Symphony

Shows Appreciation to Community with Performances April 15 & 16

In appreciation for the generous support it has received from West Michigan throughout its 81-year history, the Grand Rapids Symphony is dedicating two performances in April to the community.

Guest conductor Andrew Grams and the Grand Rapids Symphony will present the community appreciation concert titled “Two Dons and Dvorak.” The performances, spotlighting the talents of Symphony musicians Nancy Steltmann, principal cello, and Leslie Van Becker, principal viola, will be held at DeVos Performance Hall on April 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. The concert is part of the Richard and Helen DeVos Classical Series.

As a thank you to the community, ticket prices have been significantly reduced for these performances. Tickets for adults are $18, seniors over the age of 62 are $9 and students are $5.

On the concert’s first half, the famous stories of two historic Dons – Quixote and Giovanni – will be brought to life through the power music. The overture to Mozart’s opera “Don Giovanni,” blends comedy and drama as it tells the story of the licentious Italian nobleman.

Strauss’ musical story of “Don Quixote” showcases Steltmann on cello representing the Spanish country gentleman and Van Becker on viola representing his long-suffering sidekick, Sancho Panza. This concert continues the Symphony’s tradition of featuring its musicians as soloists, inviting the audience to experience the breadth of talent possessed by individual Symphony members.

The evening’s performance will conclude with Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8, a cheery symphony in four movements influenced by the Bohemian folk music that the composer loved.

Grams has been called one of America’s most promising talented, young conductors. He began his career in Michigan at the age of 17, when he directed the World Youth Symphony Orchestra at Interlochen Arts Camp. He has appeared with many leading symphonies, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, D.C. the Melbourne Symphony and others. During the 2010-11 season, Grams – who is also an accomplished violinist – debuted with the BBC Symphony in London and performed with orchestras in Germany, Canada and the Netherlands.

Steltmann has been principal cellist of the Symphony since 1990. She came to the orchestra from New York City in 1980, where she was assistant principal. She holds bachelors and masters degrees from the Julliard School, and has performed in New York and throughout the Midwest as a guest artist.

Van Becker has been principal viola of the Symphony since 1978. In addition to her work with the Symphony, she performs in musical festivals, quartets and chamber orchestras. She holds a bachelor of music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and masters in music from the Yale University School of Music.

Tickets
Tickets are available at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or on the day of the concert two hours prior to the performance. Tickets may also be purchased through ticketmaster.com, 1.800.982.2787, online at www.grsymphony.org, or in person at Ticketmaster outlets: select D&W Fresh Market, Family Fare Stores and Walmart.

Jerry Seinfeld Returns to the Stage Live in Concert 2011

DeVos Performance Hall
Grand Rapids, MI

Due to popular demand, America’s premier comedian is hitting the road in a return to his first love—stand-up comedy. Hailed as “the master stand-up comic of his generation” and “the best comedian of our time” in a Washington Post article by Tom Shales, Seinfeld has an uncanny ability to joke about the little things in life that relate to audiences everywhere.

Seinfeld now sets his sights on performing his material across the country in 2011. His tour will visit Grand Rapids’ DeVos Performance Hall on June 9 at 7pm.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 25 at 10am and are $47.50, $62.50, and $77.50. Tickets are available online at ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices or charge by phone 1-800-745-3000.

2011 Cottage & Lakefront Living Show - Grand Rapids FACT SHEET

Location: DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503; tel: 616-742-6500

Dates & Times:

Friday, March 25 - 3pm - 9pm

Saturday, March 26 - 10am - 9pm

Sunday, March 27 - 11am - 5pm

Admission:

Adults: $9.00

Children (6 – 14): $4.00

5 & Under: Free

24-Hour Info: 1-800-328-6550 or www.GRCottageShow.com.

Tickets may be purchased at the DeVos Place and Van Andel Arena box offices, ticketmaster ticket centers, including D&W stores and select Family Fare locations, charge by phone at 1.800.745.3000, or on-line at ticketmaster.com.

West Michigan’s only Show that’s completely devoted to the Cottage Lifestyle!

Hundreds of exhibitors! Architects and designers; lakefront builders; cedar and log home builders; boats, docks, and lifts; interior design and cottage-style furnishings; landscapers, home improvement and more.

Meet author Loreen Niewenhuis and hear about her 1000-Mile Walk on the Beach, a one-of-a-kind journey by foot around Lake Michigan.

Professional sand sculptor Janet Moore Schrader in the 1200 Sq. Foot “Monroe Street Beach”. Kids can “Storm the Castle” Sunday at 3:00 pm!

Shop the Lakefront Market Place with dozens of merchants selling all kinds of cool items for your cottage or home, and the Cottage Fine Art Show, featuring Michigan artists

Try out an awesome state-of-the-art Fishing Simulator all weekend long and get tips from expert anglers!

Free seminars all weekend on Cottage Succession Planning, Birding, Cottage Landscaping, Shoreline and Lake Conservation, and more.