CityStage hosts impressive lineup this season
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SPRINGFIELD Springfield Performing Arts Development Corporation (SPADC) is pleased to announce the 2008-09 season at CityStage and Symphony Hall. The upcoming season introduces a 15-show lineup featuring concerts and Broadway tours at Symphony Hall as well as a variety of musicals and comedies at CityStage.
The 2008-09 season is sponsored by MassMutual Financial Group.
The followng is the schedule of attractions:
"The Rat Pack Is Back"
Oct. 7-12, CityStage
This spirited tribute recreates one of the famous "Summit at the Sands" hotel shows, when the swingin,' ring-a-ding group known as the Rat Pack was creating a hipster legend with a free-wheeling, no-holds-barred nightclub act starring Vegas' four favorite sons: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop. Written and produced by Sandy Hackett, son of legendary comedian Buddy Hackett, "The Rat Pack Is Back" features uncanny vocal recreations and an unbridled time in history. Hits include "That's Amore," "Fly Me to the Moon," "Mr. Bojangles" and many more.
"Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles"
Oct. 17, Symphony Hall
By blending their extraordinary vocal and musical talents, "Hotel California" faithfully and accurately reproduces the sound of the Eagles studio recordings, recreating a classic sound which undeniably transcends the boundaries of rock, R&B and country while delivering a modern, action packed performance that brings this timeless music into the new millennium.
"Menopause The Musical"
Nov. 5-9 and Nov. 11-16, CityStage
The hilarious celebration of women and The Change, the original parody chronicles the meeting of four women at a lingerie sale at Bloomingdale's with nothing in common but a black lace bra.and memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, hormones, not enough sex, too much sex and more. This joyful musical parody set to 26 classic baby-boomer songs from "Puff, My God, I'm Draggin'" to the disco favorite "Stayin' Awake, Stayin' Awake" will have you cheering and dancing in the aisles. Whether you are on the brink of, in the middle of, or have already survived The Change, this show is a must-see!
"Dirty Rotten Scoundrels"
Nov. 22, Symphony Hall
Based on the popular 1988 MGM film, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" centers on two con men living on the French Riviera the suave and sophisticated Lawrence Jameson, who makes his lavish living by talking rich ladies out of their money; and a small-time crook named Freddy Benson, who, more humbly, swindles women by waking their compassion with fabricated stories about his grandmother's failing health. After meeting on a train, they unsuccessfully attempt to work together only to find that this small French town isn't big enough for the two of them. So they make a bet: the first one to swindle $50,000 from a young heiress triumphs and the other must leave town. What follows are a series of schemes, masquerades and double-crosses in which nothing may ever be exactly what it seems.
"Hoodwinked"
Nov. 22, CityStage
Crime. Live on stage. It's the most unbelievable and hilarious show you've ever seen. The cast of "Hoodwinked" con men, cheats and swindlers expose the secrets of the streets in one wild night of schemes and scams. Think you have what it takes to spot the scams and outsmart the pros? The laughs come fast and furious, and by the time the evening is over, pockets will be picked, minds will be read and someone's gonna get scammed. Will it be you? Don't miss this rare chance to enter the world of shadows, secrets and scams. Getting duped was never this much fun.
"Footloose"
Jan. 7, Symphony Hall
In 1984 the movie "Footloose" captured the heart of America. With its youthful spirit, dazzling dance and electrifying music, "Footloose" launched a dance craze that spread across the nation. "Footloose" has the heart, it's got the music and it's got everyone on their feet! The show's classic 1980s hits include "Holding Out For A Hero," "Almost Paradise," "Let's Hear It For The Boy" and of course, "Footloose."
"I May Be Black, But God Knows I'm Jewish!"
Starring Sarge, Jan. 17 - 18, CityStage
Imagine growing up a New York Jew, only to later discover that you're also black. And you think you've got it rough! Take a laugh-filled ride through the life and mind of well-known funnyman Sarge. Using stand-up, song and dead-on impressions, Sarge recounts his personal journey in his own voice and dozens of entertaining others. His moving and social commentary consistently leaves audiences rolling in the aisles.
"Mama's Night Out"
Jan. 22-24, CityStage
You don't have to be a mom to enjoy the hilarious comedy of these three ladies. Each of these finalists in "Nick at Nite's Search for the Funniest Mom in America" will leave you laughing and wanting more. "Mama's Night Out" features a Southerner, a sassy Brit and a native New Yorker in an eclectic blend of stand up comedy and audience participation. Join Karen, Nancy and Sherry as they tell their own stories individually and then come together to field questions and interact with the audience. Give yourself a "timeout" with "Mama's Night Out."
"The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?"
Feb. 10 - 15, CityStage
"Hilarious" is the only way to describe "The Male Intellect: An Oxymoron?" You will laugh non-stop for 90 minutes as gifted actor/writer Robert Dubac ransacks his brain to answer the age old question, "What do women want?"
His hit one-man show is a multi-character comedy with him playing all the roles.
With a shrug of his shoulders or a hooding of his eyes or a crook of his neck, Dubac seamlessly transforms himself into five alter egos each offering their own brand of misguided advice while straddling the gender gap.
"Matt Lewis as Elvis: Long Live The King"
March 3 - 8, CityStage
Only one Elvis entertainer has been named "The Best Elvis in Vegas" by USA TODAY, and he's coming to CityStage. Over the past 10 years, Matt Lewis has headlined around the globe for the world-famous "Legends In Concert" show.
"Altar Boyz"
March 17 - 22, CityStage
"Altar Boyz" is the longest running new musical comedy to open in New York in years. Full of sharp parody, sinfully spectacular dancing and irreverent humor, this spoof about a heavenly guy-group is adored by audiences and critics alike. With an extraordinary mix of side-splitting songs "convincing enough to be played on MTV," uncontrollable laughs and lighthearted fun, this award-winning and totally original new musical is "90 minutes of pure delight" that's suitable for all ages and will have "the whole family laughing and singing along."
"Movin' Out"
March 19, Symphony Hall
Five-time Grammy winner Billy Joel and legendary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined forces to create the spectacular new musical Time Magazine declares "The #1 show of the year!" The New York Times called "Movin' Out" "a shimmering portrait of an American generation. These tornado driven dancers and rock musicians propel the audience into delirious ovations." "Movin' Out" brings 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying new life as it tells the story of five life-long friends over two turbulent decades.
"Mother Load"
April 15-19, CityStage
Modern motherhood is not for sissies. This New York Magazine's Critics' Pick is a hilarious expose of the mom-eat-mom world of competitive parenting. Anyone who has fed their kids dinosaur chicken nuggets three times a week will identify with the "mother load" of guilt, and fellow perfectionists will cheer as they watch one mom free herself from it. Written by Amy Wilson, a mother of three, this frank, funny and rather frightening adventure on the front lines of motherhood is required viewing for the overachiever in all of us. The Associated Press says "Wilson's lament earns laughs and nods of recognition about the joys and tribulations of motherhood."
"One Night Of Queen"
April 3, Symphony Hall
The spirit of the legendary Freddie Mercury is alive and well and performing as Gary Mullen. When Gary Mullen won the British television show "Stars In Their Eyes" Grand Finale in 2000 as Freddie Mercury, he began a fantastic journey which has so far taken him to virtually every theatre and concert hall in the U.K., France, Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Holland and New Zealand. Now Mullen continues his amazing adventure with his first tour of the USA. His sold-out shows together with his band the Works are receiving rave reviews from audiences of all ages including legendary Queen guitarist Brian May.
"Jesus Christ Superstar"
April 16, Symphony Hall
"Jesus Christ Superstar," the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the scene in 1971 changing the world of musical theatre forever. With a score of amazing songs "I Don't Know How to Love Him," "Hosanna," "Everything's Alright," "What's the Buzz," "Superstar" and "Heaven on Their Mind," this original groundbreaking production starring Ted Neeley in the title role and Living Colour's Corey Glover as Judas is as relevant and timeless as ever.
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