FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Press Contact: Molly Sommerhalder Public Relations Specialist (414) 273-7121 ext. 399 msommerhalder@marcuscenter.org ANNOUNCES THE 2017-2018 SEASON Milwaukee Premiere of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS AND SCHOOL OF ROCK Along with Returning Favorites, RENT 20 th Anniversary Tour and LES MISÉRABLES MILWAUKEE, WI (March 6, 2017) Associated Bank Broadway at the Marcus Center and Broadway Across America-Milwaukee invite you to experience the sounds and splendor of Broadway at the Marcus Center throughout 2017-2018. Coming next season to Milwaukee is AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, the Tony musical about magic and romance in Paris, the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning RENT 20 th Anniversary Tour, Andrew Lloyd Weber s high-octane, hilarious SCHOOL OF ROCK featuring the first-ever kids rock band, WAITRESS, the musical brought to life by an all-female creative team, the breathtaking smash hit musical, FINDING NEVERLAND, and the hilarious and critically acclaimed Tony award-winning musical, A GENTLEMAN S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER. Back by popular demand, LES MISÉRABLES, will return to Milwaukee for a limited one week engagement, as part of a seven-show season package option. Our 2017-2018 Season is another proven winner due in no small part to our patrons consistent, strong support of Broadway at the Marcus Center, said Paul Mathews, Marcus Center President & CEO. In group sales alone, the Marcus Center ranks near the top in ticket sales with markets such as Boston, Atlanta and Minneapolis. Revenues from touring Broadway shows helps keep the Center an affordable place for our local non-profit resident groups plus creates significant economic impact for downtown Milwaukee. As a long-standing supporter of the arts, Associated Bank is proud of our continued support of the Broadway series at the Marcus Center, said John Utz, Executive Vice President and Milwaukee Market President. Together, we help ensure the vitality of the arts in the greater Milwaukee area and enrich our economy.
BENEFITS Becoming a Season Ticket Holder is the only way for individuals to guarantee the best seats at the season s hottest shows. In addition, Season Ticket Holders enjoy the benefits of Broadway Across America, a national network of over 40 cities where touring Broadway is presented. Benefits include: Guaranteed seat locations Ticket exchange and replacement services Access to priority and additional ticket offers often at discounted prices Access to special subscriber only events SERIES INFORMATION Six-show and Seven-show subscription packages will go on sale Monday, March 6 at 8:30 pm to Associated Bank Broadway at the Marcus Center Season Ticket Holders and the general public. Prices for the six show package range from $629-$149 and vary depending upon performance time and seating preference. Prices for the seven-show package, which includes LES MISÉRABLES, range from $719-$179 and vary depending upon performance time and seating preference. Season ticket information is available through Season Ticket Hotlines at 414-273-2787 (Mon-Sat 1 p.m.- 7 p.m.; Sun 1 p.m.-5 p.m. CST) or at 1-800-905-7469 (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CST; Closed Sat- Sun). 24-hour service is also available on-line at www.marcuscenter.org or www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/milwaukee. All performances will be held at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, 929 N. Water Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202. Groups starting at 10 or more should call 414-273-7121 ext. 210 or ext. 213 for more information, reservations and special pricing. Tickets for individual productions typically go on sale to the general public four to six weeks prior to the first performance. For electronic versions of the b-roll, please contact Molly Sommerhalder at msommerhalder@marcuscenter.org 2017-18 SEASON DETAILS (In Chronological Order) RENT 20 th Anniversary Tour October 3-8, 2017 In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award -winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini's La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of
fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters love. SCHOOL OF ROCK November 21-26, 2017 SCHOOL OF ROCK is a New York Times Critics Pick and AN INSPIRING JOLT OF ENERGY, JOY AND MAD SKILLZ! (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-a students into a guitarshredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Vanity Fair raves, FISTS OF ALL AGES SHALL BE PUMPING! WAITRESS January 2-7, 2018 "THE WOMEN OF WAITRESS ARE CHANGING BROADWAY!" (Time Magazine). Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song"), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Pippin, Finding Neverland). "It's an empowering musical of the highest order!" raves the Chicago Tribune. Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna - a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. "WAITRESS is a little slice of heaven!" says Entertainment Weekly and "a monumental contribution to Broadway!" according to Marie Claire. Don't miss this uplifting musical celebrating friendship, motherhood, and the magic of a well-made pie. FINDING NEVERLAND February 20-25, 2018 The winner of Broadway.com s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash captures the kid-at-heart, says TIME Magazine. Vogue cheers, It s a must-see you ll remember for years to come! Directed by visionary Tony -winner Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed Academy Award winning film, FINDING NEVERLAND tells the incredible story behind one of the world s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little bit of pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes this
monumental leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. FINDING NEVERLAND is far and away the best musical of the year! (NPR). LES MISÉRABLES (SPECIAL: Part of the seven show package) March 27-April 1, 2018 Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck, cheering Les Miz is born again! (NY1). Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Featuring the thrilling score and beloved songs I Dreamed A Dream, On My Own, Stars," Bring Him Home, One Day More, and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Seen by more than 70 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe, Les Misérables is still the world s most popular musical, breaking box office records everywhere in its 32nd year. A GENTLEMAN S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER May 1-6, 2018 Getting away with murder can be so much fun and there s no better proof than the knock- em-dead hit show that s earned unanimous raves and won the 2014 Tony Award for BEST MUSICAL A GENTLEMAN S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER! Coming direct from New York, where a most gentlemanly NPR critic said he d NEVER LAUGHED SO HARD AT A BROADWAY MUSICAL," GENTLEMAN S GUIDE tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by you guessed it eliminating the eight pesky relatives (all played by one fearless man) who stand in his way. All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress (she s after more than just love), his fiancée (she s his cousin but who s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance and be done in time for tea. The Hollywood Reporter raves, GENTLEMAN S GUIDE RESTORES OUR FAITH IN MUSICAL COMEDY and The New York Times cheers, IT WILL LIFT THE HEARTS OF ALL THOSE WHO VE BEEN PINING FOR WHAT SOMETIMES SEEMS A LOST ART FORM. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS June 26-July 1, 2018 AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the new Tony Award -winning musical about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl, and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war.
Acclaimed director/choreographer and 2015 Tony Award -winner Christopher Wheeldon brings the magic and romance of Paris into perfect harmony with unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin in the show that earned more awards than any other musical in the 2015 season! The New York Times raves, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is a triumph! Pure joy! and the Wall Street Journal declares, Once you ve seen it, you ll find it hard to settle for less ever again. Don t miss this stunning Broadway hit when it arrives in Milwaukee on its first national tour! ABOUT THE MARCUS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Established in 1969, the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts is the premier performing arts community gathering space in Southeastern Wisconsin. As the Marcus Center moves into its 48th year, it continues to build bridges between diverse members of our community through high-quality arts entertainment in the region and the state. The touring Broadway series, sponsored by Associated Bank, is recognized as bringing the best of Broadway entertainment to Milwaukee for the past 20 years and provides opportunities to educate, entertain and engage audiences. The Marcus Center is also the home to the Milwaukee Symphony, Milwaukee Ballet, Florentine Opera, First Stage plus a variety of other important community and family events throughout the year. For more information about events visit the Marcus Center website at www.marcuscenter.org. The Marcus Center is a private non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation and is a dedicated veterans memorial in Milwaukee. ABOUT ASSOCIATED BANC-CORP Associated Banc-Corp (NYSE: ASB) has total assets of $29 billion and is one of the top 50 publicly traded U.S. bank holding companies. Headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Associated is a leading Midwest banking franchise, offering a full range of financial products and services from over 200 banking locations serving more than 100 communities throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota, and commercial financial services in Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Texas. Associated Bank, N.A. is an Equal Housing Lender, Equal Opportunity Lender and Member FDIC. More information about Associated Banc-Corp is available at www.associatedbank.com. BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com and The Broadway Channel. Led by 9 time Tony-winning producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 41 markets with over 270,000 subscribers. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof, Finding Neverland, Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray, On Your Feet!, School of Rock and The Producers. Broadway.com is the premier theater website for news, exclusive content and ticket sales. For more information please visit BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com and Broadway.com. - # # # -