SALT LAKE CITY — A new chapter is fast approaching for Broadway in Utah — including a new name, a new venue and a new season.
Among several announcements made by the organization Thursday night is that beginning next season, it will be known as Broadway at the Eccles — a reference to the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater, which is currently under construction at Main Street and 100 South and is scheduled to open this fall.
Also announced was the lineup for Broadway at the Eccles’ first season of shows in the new location.
“It’s going to be the beginning of a chapter that should go on for a long, long time,” said producer Bruce Granath, who went on to explain that the new venue will allow for bigger shows to come to Salt Lake City sooner and more frequently.
The 2016-17 season includes 12 shows — six musicals included in the season package and six additional shows for which tickets can be purchased individually.
“What’s really exciting about this season is that we have the best lineup we’ve ever had,” Granath said. “We couldn’t be more excited.”
The season package includes “Matilda the Musical,” Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” “Beautiful — The Carole King Musical,” Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” “Dirty Dancing — The Classic Story on Stage” and “Kinky Boots.”
The additional shows, many of which are back by popular demand, according to a news release, include Disney’s “The Lion King,” “Mamma Mia!,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Men Are From Mars — Women Are From Venus Live!,” “A Kurt Bestor Christmas” and “Cirque Dreams Holidaze.”
Season tickets go on sale Friday, March 4, at 9 a.m. At that time, season ticket holders may also purchase tickets for “The Lion King,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” and “A Kurt Bestor Christmas.”
Following is a look at the upcoming shows. For additional information, visit broadway-at-the-eccles.com or call 801-355-5502.
“Beautiful — The Carole King Musical,” Nov. 15-20: The story of pop legend Carole King’s rise to fame, this Grammy- and Tony Award-winner will be the inaugural touring Broadway show at the Eccles Theater.
“Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus Live!,” Dec. 1-3: Described as a “one-man fusion of theater and stand-up” by a news release, “Men Are From Mars” is a “lighthearted, theatrical comedy” that will be performed at the Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center, according to the news release.
Irving Berlin’s "White Christmas," Dec. 6-11: This stage adaptation of the holiday film by the same name is “full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written,” according to the news release.
“A Kurt Bestor Christmas,” Dec. 15-17: Kurt Bestor provides a Utah tradition of “music, humor, spectacle and surprises,” according to the news release.
“Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” Dec. 29-31: Described in the news release as a holiday circus, “Holidaze” features “ornaments, costumes and acrobatics … for the entire family.”
“Kinky Boots,” Jan. 17-22, 2017: Featuring songs by Cyndi Lauper, “Kinky Boots” shares “the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind,” as stated by the news release.
“Mamma Mia!” Feb. 2-5, 2017: “Mamma Mia!” will visit Salt Lake City as part of its farewell tour, bringing ABBA hits such as “Dancing Queen,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “S.O.S.”
“Matilda the Musical,” Feb. 21-26, 2017: Based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book, this musical rendition follows brilliant young Matilda in her efforts to “take a stand and change her own destiny,” according to the news release.
Disney’s “The Lion King,” March 23-April 16, 2017: Winner of six Tony Awards, “The Lion King” will return to Salt Lake City for more than three weeks next spring.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella,” May 30-June 4, 2017: This Tony Award-winning musical based on the classic fairy tale is from the creators of “The Sound of Music” and “South Pacific.”
“Dirty Dancing — The Classic Story on Stage,” June 20-25, 2017: Another film adapted for the stage, “Dirty Dancing” features the music and dancing from the movie.
“The Book of Mormon,” Aug. 1-20, 2017: This musical “follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world” and contains explicit language, according to the news release.
Email: scobb@deseretnews.com