The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Florida Theatrical Association and Broadway Across America announce the roster of shows that will arrive in the Walt Disney Theater during the FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando 2017 – 2018 season. The new season launches with the acclaimed production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The King and I.” Following the engagement of that celebrated revival is “On Your Feet!,” the irresistible true story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. Next, the ultimate love story continues in “Love Never Dies,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to “The Phantom of the Opera.” “The Book of Mormon” is back by popular demand following two previous sold out and record-breaking engagements, followed by Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hilarious, high-octane hit School of Rock, featuring the first-ever kids ’rock band, a four-week return engagement of the renowned Disney musical, “The Lion King,” the Sara Bareilles-scored new musical Waitress, the completely original comedy smash “Something ®Rotten!,” and the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-thwinning “RENT 20 Anniversary Tour.” Additionally, the Orlando premiere of “Hamilton” will arrive at the Dr. Phillips Center during the 2018 – 2019 Broadway in Orlando Season.
FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando season subscribers will have first access to tickets to The Book of Mormon, Riverdance – The 20 Anniversary Tour, and The Lion King. These return engagements are Season Options and will not be included in the standard FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando 17/18 subscription package.
The best way to guarantee tickets to Hamilton in the 2018 – 2019 Season is to purchase a season subscription for the 2017 – 2018 FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando Season. Subscribers who renew their subscription for the 2018 – 2019 Season will be able to guarantee their tickets before tickets become available to the general public.
The shows for the 2017/2018 season are:
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I / September 12 – 17, 2017
One of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works, The King and I boasts a score that features such beloved classics as “Getting to Know You,” “Hello Young Lovers,” “Shall We Dance,” “I Have Dreamed,” and “Something Wonderful.” Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher, whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children. Directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher and winner of four 2015 Tony Awards, including Best Revival of a Musical.
On Your Feet! / October 17 – 22, 2017
“If you don’t leave the theatre humming a Gloria Estefan hit, it may be time to check your pulse!”
– Associated Press
PressFrom their humble beginnings in Cuba, Emilio and Gloria Estefan came to America and broke through all barriers to become a crossover sensation at the very top of the pop music world. But just when they thought they had it all, they almost lost everything. From international superstardom to life-threatening tragedy, On Your Feet! takes you behind the music and inside the real story of this record-making and groundbreaking couple who, in the face of adversity, found a way to end up on their feet. Directed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), with choreography by Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys) and an original book by Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris (“Birdman”), On Your Feet! features some of the most iconic songs of the past quarter century – and one of the most inspiring stories in music history.
Love Never Dies, The Phantom Returns / November 21 – 26, 2017
The year is 1907. It is 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House, and the Phantom has escaped to a new life in New York where he lives amongst the screaming joy rides and freak shows of Coney Island. In this new, electrically charged world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar, but he has never stopped yearning for his one true love and musical protégée, Christine Daaé. Now one of the world’s finest sopranos, Christine accepts an invitation to travel from Paris to New York to perform at a renowned opera house. Christine’s marriage to Raoul is suffering at the hands of his drinking and gambling, and they desperately need the financial rewards that America can give them. In a final bid to win back Christine’s love, the Phantom lures her, Raoul, and their young son, Gustave, from Manhattan to the glittering and glorious world of Coney Island – not knowing what is in store for them.
The new touring production will reflect an extensive re-working of the material by an Australian creative team for the original Australian premiere in 2011. Described by Chris Boyd in The Australian as “the best thing Lloyd Webber has written in the quarter century since The Phantom of the Opera. Since its premiere in 2010, Love Never Dies has enjoyed productions worldwide in London, Australia, Denmark, Japan and Germany, as well as multiple recordings. Now, the North American tour brings the musical to the U.S. for the first time. Directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical).
The Book of Mormon / December 12 – 17
The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of “The Tonight Show” calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical.
This outrageous musical comedy follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now with standing-room-only productions in London, on Broadway and across North America, The Book of Mormon has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.
School of Rock / December 26 – 31
“A crowd-pleasing, upbeat musical with a wondrously rebellious spirit.” – Associated PressSchool 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 guitar-shredding, 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!”
Riverdance – The 20 Anniversary Tour / January 26 – 28, 2018
This tour is composed by Bill Whelan, produced by Moya Doherty and directed by John McColgan. th“Riverdance – The 20 Anniversary World Tour” will feature new costumes, new lighting, new projections and the addition of a brand new number, “Anna Livia,” featuring the female members of the Irish dance troupe in an a cappella hard-shoe number.
“Riverdance – The 20Anniversary World Tour” is an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song. 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. “Riverdance – The 20 Anniversary World Tour” has set design by Robert Ballagh, lighting design by John Comiskey, costume design by Joan Bergin and sound design by Michael O’Gorman.
Disney’s The Lion King / February 14 – March 11, 2018
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. The entire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist. This is Disney’s “The Lion King,” making its triumphant return to Orlando.
More than 90 million people around the world have experienced the awe-inspiring artistry, the unforgettable music and the uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular – one of the most breathtaking and beloved productions ever to grace the stage.
Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “The Lion King” brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. “The Lion King” also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice.
Waitress / March 20 – 25, 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 six-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.
Something Rotten! / April 24 – 29, 2018
From the director of “Aladdin” and co-director of “The Book of Mormon” and the producer of “Rent,” “Avenue Q” and “In the Heights,” this hilarious new musical comedy tells the story of brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom, two playwrights stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star Will Shakespeare. When a soothsayer foretells the next big thing in theater involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, the Bottom brothers set out to write the world’s very first MUSICAL! With the most singing, the most dancing and the most gut-busting laughs on Broadway, it’s something wonderful…something for everyone…it’s “Something Rotten!,” “the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years” (Time Out New York!). With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, Something Rotten! Is an uproarious dose of purse Broadway fun and an irresistible ode to musicals – those dazzling creations that entertain us, inspire us and remind us that everything’s better with an exclamation point!
RENT 20 Anniversary Tour / June 5 – 10, 2018
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 dream 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.
Hamilton / Coming to Orlando in the 2018 – 2019 Season
Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, as told by America now.
For more information on the 2017 – 2018 season and Broadway in Orlando, visit OrlandoBroadway.com.
FAIRWINDS Broadway in Orlando is presented in partnership with Broadway Across America and Florida Theatrical Association. FTA is a non-profit civic organization with a volunteer board of trustees established to ensure the continued presentation of quality touring Broadway productions and the promotion of arts education throughout the state of Florida. For more information, visit FloridaTheatrical.org.
