Broadway in Chicago announces its 15th anniversary season

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The 2015-2016 season will mark the 15th anniversary of Broadway In Chicago, the presenting entity for national tours of Broadway shows and pre-Broadway tryouts that programs the stages of the Oriental, Cadillac Palace and Bank of America theaters in the Loop, as well as the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

The season will feature three Tony Award winners: “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” the revival of “Cabaret,” and “Matilda The Musical.” Also on the schedule are “If/Then,” “Dirty Dancing” and the pre-Broadway world premiere of “Gotta Dance.”

Here’s the full rundown:

± “DIRTY DANCING — THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE ” (Aug. 18-30, 2015 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph): Making a return visit to the Chicago stage is this classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be a challenging and triumphant summer. The show features the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”

A scene from “Dirty Dancing — The Classic Story Onstage.”

A scene from “Dirty Dancing — The Classic Story Onstage.”

± “A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER” (Sept. 29 – Oct. 11, 2015 at the Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe): Kicking off its national tour in Chicago, this 2014 Tony Award winner for best musical tells the rollicking story of Monty Navarro, a distant heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by eliminating the eight pesky relatives (all played by one fearless actor) who stand in his way.  Along the way, 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.

A scene from “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.”

A scene from “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.”

+ “GOTTA DANCE” (Dec. 13, 2015 – Jan. 17, 2016 at the Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe): This pre-Broadway world premiere begins in 2007, when a group of expert dancers was tasked with getting professional basketball’s first ever senior citizen dance team performance-ready.  The venue?  Center court.  The genre?  Hip-hop.  Over the coming months, bonds would be formed, generation gaps would be crossed, and, eventually, some pretty hot moves would emerge.  The new musical tells the true story of these wildly diverse seniors with a common goal, the young coaches who help them achieve it, and the unlikely art form that brings them all together.  The show features a book by Chad Beguelin, (“Aladdin”) and Bob Martin (“The Drowsy Chaperone”); lyrics by Nell Benjamin (“Legally Blonde”); music by the late Emmy, Grammy and Tony winner Marvin Hamlisch and Matthew Sklar (“The Wedding Singer”); and direction and choreography by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell  (“Kinky Boots”).

± “CABARET” (Feb. 9 – 21, 2016 at the Bank of America Theatre, 18 W. Monroe): This acclaimed revival of the Broadway classic, initially devised as part of the 50th anniversary of New York’s Roundabout Theatre Company, features direction by Sam Mendes (of film fame for “Skyfall” and “American Beauty”) and Rob Marshall (whose films include “Into the Woods” and “Chicago”).

± “IF/THEN” (Feb. 23 – March 6, 2016 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph): This contemporary Broadway musical simultaneously follows one woman’s two possible life paths as she moves towards 40 and tries to remake herself after a move back to New York. Directed by Michael Greif, the score is by “Next to Normal” creators Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt.

± “MATILDA THE MUSICAL” (March 22 – April 10, 2016 at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph): The winner of 50 international awards, including four Tonys, “Matilda,” based on the beloved novel by Raold Dahl, is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Directed by Matthew Warchus, it features a book by Dennis Kelly, and music and lyrics by Tim Minchin.

The 2015-2016 season will go on sale March 8. To renew or purchase a new subscription, visit BroadwayInChicago.com or call 312-977-1717. Subscriber benefits include savings of up to 50% off ticket prices, discounts on both parking and suite service, invitations to Broadway In Chicago exclusive events, free exchange privileges and more.

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