Lutcher announces 2015-2016 season, Chenoweth headlines

Kristin Chenoweth will co-host the 69th Annual Tony Awards, Sunday, June 7, on CBS, but Lutcher Theater patrons can begin making preparations to see her live on the Lutcher stage, when she performs Wednesday, March 16, 2016 as part of the Lutcher’s 2015-16 Season.

Current Lutcher season subscribers will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets to see Ms. Chenoweth, along with national tours of Broadway hit shows, magnificent musical events, dance phenomenon and other stars such as Vince Gill and the Time Jumpers, when they renew their season tickets. Those wishing to become new season ticket holders, with the purchase of four or more shows for the 2015-16 Lutcher Season may do so at the end of June. Individual tickets go on sale in late August.

Fourteen incredible events are scheduled for the Lutcher’s 2015-16 Performing Arts Series. Four shows are scheduled for two performances and the season includes three matinees.

Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – Sat, Oct 3, 2:00 & 7:30 PM

One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son.

Directed and choreographed by Tony Award®-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, this new production is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors. The magical musical is full of unforgettable songs, including Go Go Go Joseph, Any Dream Will Doand Close Every Door.

Symphony at Shangri La - Featuring the Symphony of Southeast Texas, Chelsea Tipton II-Conductor – Sun, Oct. 18, 5:30 PM

Stroll through Shangri La Gardens at the peak of Scarecrow Festival arriving at the Great Lawn in time to indulge in a festive evening of seasonal nature and magnificent sound. The Symphony of Southeast Texas will perform a banquet of popular music including selections from West Side Story, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Spiderman, plus classics such as Moon River, Duke Ellington favorites and much more. Bring lawn chairs and soak up the alluring sights and sounds of autumn and art at sunset.

An Evening With Vince Gill Featuring the Time Jumpers – Wed, Nov 4, 7:30 PM

Tap any member of The Time Jumpers on the shoulder and the face that turns to greet you will be that of one who’s made major contributions to the richness and vigor of country music.

The current edition of The Time Jumpers includes 10 members, each a master of his instrument. Alphabetically—which is the only diplomatic way to present such a phalanx of evenly matched talent—they are Brad Albin (upright bass), Larry Franklin (fiddle), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Vince Gill (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars), “Ranger Doug” Green (vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar), Andy Reiss (electric guitar), Kenny Sears (vocals, fiddle), Joe Spivey (fiddle, vocals) Jeff Taylor (accordion, piano) and Billy Thomas (drums, vocals).

Ragtime The Musical– Sat, Dec 12, 7:30 PM

At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing…and anything is possible.

The stories of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician unfold - set in turn-of-the-century New York - all three united by their desire and belief in a brighter tomorrow. Winning Tony Awards® for Best Book and Best Musical Score, this 13 time Tony Award® nominated musical is a timeless celebration of life - what it could and should be!

A Very Electric Christmas – Tue, Dec. 15, 7:00 PM

This captivating and magical black light theater tale of adventure, friendship and love is a wonderful opportunity to bring families together and start a new holiday tradition. Follow the story of a young bird named Max and his family as they head south for the winter.

When Max gets blown off course during a snowstorm and tries to make his way home, his adventure begins, featuring Nutcracker soldiers, caroling worms, dancing poinsettias, mischievous mice and an evil Rat King with an epic battle scene.

The Producers – Fri, Jan 15, 7:30 PM

A scheming producer and his mousy accountant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway in Mel Brooks' laugh-out-loud spectacle.

Bialystock and Bloom! Those names should strike terror and hysteria in anyone familiar with Mel Brooks' classic cult comedy film. Now as a big Broadway musical, The Producers once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. It is a truly "boffo" hit, winning a record twelve Tony Awards and wowing capacity crowds night after night.

Annie – Sat, Jan 23, 2:00 & 7:30 PM

Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production of ANNIE will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original.

Featuring book and score by Tony Award^®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, ANNIE includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”

The HillBenders Present Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry - Tue, Feb 2, 7:30 PM

The Who’s Tommy, Meets Bluegrass! The HillBenders, a dynamic bluegrass quintet with tight harmonies and stunning instrumental prowess, bring Pete Townshend’s original vision to life in a new and exciting way with banjo, dobro, mandolin, bass and guitar.

This Bluegrass Opry brings a new perspective to Tommy while paying total respect to its creators. The live performance includes other HillBender favorites, as well as a full 75-minute show covering the original Tommy album from start to finish.

The Band of the Royal Marines & The Pipes, Drums, and Highland Dancers of the Scots Guards – Tue, Feb 16, 7:30 PM

Quality Music, Visual Grandeur and Precision Drill - Get swept away in the precision and pageantry of The Band of the Royal Marines. The group is known as one of the most versatile in the military musical world, playing everything from orchestral to dance band music. Bolstered by The Pipes and Drums and Highland Dancers of The Scots Guards, this experience is elevated to a unique evening with stunning synchronized movement, a lively drum, and haunting memorable pipe music that creates a production that is second-to-none.

Riverdance 20th Anniversary World Tour – Wed/Thu, Feb 24-25, 7:30 PM

The international Irish dance phenomenon is back by popular demand in Riverdance - The 20th Anniversary World Tour. Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song.

Riverdance - The 20th Anniversary World Tour is composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan, and comes directly to North America from a sold out run across Europe and Asia.

Bullets Over Broadway– Sat, Mar 5, 2:00 & 7:30 PM

Hailed by Time Magazine as, “Musical Theatre Gold!”, Bullets Over Broadway is the hilarious musical comedy about the making of a Broadway show.

Written by Woody Allen, with original direction and choreography by Susan Stroman and based upon the screenplay of the acclaimed film by Woody Allen and Douglas McGrath, Bullets Over Broadway is the story of a young playwright who, in desperate need of financial backing for his next show, accepts an offer he can’t refuse from a mobster looking to please his showgirl girlfriend.

Kristin Chenoweth – Coming Home Tour – Wed, Mar 16, 7:30 PM

Stage, film, and TV star Kristin Chenoweth brings her Broadway hit voice to dazzle with stories and song. This Emmy and Tony Award® winning actress and singer takes the lead in a career that spans film, television, voiceover and stage, effortlessly.

She received an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the ABC series Pushing Daisies (Pushing Daisieswas also nominated for a Golden Globe Award and Emmy Award for “Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.”) Chenoweth lit up the stage of McKinley High as a former student who returned to town with more than the baggage from her flight, on Fox’s hit comedy, Glee.

In her role as Glee’s quirky ex-songstress, April Rhodes, she was nominated for two Emmy Awards and a People’s Choice Award in the category of “Favorite TV Guest Star.” Though Kristin has often come into our living rooms on hit shows such as The West Wing (where she starred as Annabeth Schott), she may be most remembered by Broadway lovers everywhere for her origination of the role of Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked, which earned her a Tony Award Nomination, and her Tony-winning performance in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, for which she stole the show and many hearts in the process.

Kristin will be receiving a coveted star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in the category of live performances on stage or in theatre.

Saturday Night Fever – Tue, Mar 29, 7:30 PM

One of the most beloved dance stories of all time in a spectacular new production, Saturday Night Fever is the coming of age tale of young Tony Manero who learns the value of life in 1970's Brooklyn. Based on the 1977 movie starring John Travolta, Saturday Night Fever is packed with legendary hits from the Bee Gees, including "Stayin’ Alive," "Night Fever," "Jive Talking," "You Should Be Dancing," and "How Deep is Your Love," in addition to several new songs written especially for this production.

The Hot Sardines – Wed, Apr 26, 7:30 PM

Bandleader Evan “Bibs” Palazzo and lead singer “Miz Elizabeth” Bougerol combine with the Sardine ensemble of powerhouse musicians – and their very own tap dancer – to play “hot jazz” as it was in the era when live music was king…with a little glamour, a little grit, and a lot of passion. Even while giving voice to the history-defining jazz of the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s, the Hot Sardines’ vibrant performances bridge generations and captivate 21st century audiences.

More information about the Lutcher 2015-16 Season will be available at www.lutcher.org or by calling the Lutcher Theater Box Office at 409-886-5535.

The Frances Ann Lutcher Theater for the Performing Arts is located at 707 Main, Orange.