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2019 theater season includes Million Dollar Quartet and White Christmas

Artistic Director Fortunato announces “exciting season” of five fun shows

Linda Fortunato, artistic director at Theatre at the Center (photo provided)
information provided by Theatre at the Center

MUNSTER, Ind. (July 16, 2018) – Irving Berlin’s White Christmas—The Musical, Million Dollar Quartet, and The Pajama Game are among the 2019 Season favorites announced by Linda Fortunato, artistic director at Theatre at the Center, the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana. Fortunato will direct and choreograph White Christmas as well as two other shows for next year.

“Our season is bookended with two shows that I’ve wanted to bring to our audience for several years—Million Dollar Quartet and White Christmas. The balance of the season has three funny and charming productions in three very different styles—a 1930s-style tap dance musical, a touching family story, and a classic American musical. It promises to be an exciting season full of laughter, dance, memorable characters, and great music.”

The five 2019 shows and their descriptions are listed below.

Million Dollar Quartet (February 14–March 24, 2019)

Inspired by a real event from December 4, 1956, Million Dollar Quartet chronicles when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what became one of the greatest jam sessions ever. This thrilling musical, written by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux, invites audiences into the recording studio for the true story of one unforgettable night. These four legends bring down the house with hits including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Great Balls of Fire,” and “Walk the Line.” Million Dollar Quartet will be directed by Daryl Brooks.

Dames at Sea (May 2–June 2, 2019)

Dames at Sea follows Broadway wannabe Ruby as she arrives in New York City with just a pair of tap shoes in her suitcase and a prayer in her heart. She falls in love with a sailor who also happens to be an aspiring songwriter. He helps Ruby land a job in the chorus, and she gets her chance in the spotlight when the star becomes ill. It’s a playful romp filled with song, dance, and lots of laughs. Dames at Sea will be directed and choreographed by Linda Fortunato.

Over the Tavern (July 11–August 11, 2019)

Hilarious and touching, Over the Tavern is a slice of Americana. Heaven help 12-year-old Rudy after he tells his ruler-wielding teacher Sister Clarissa his plans to shop around for a more fun religion. The Pazinski family lives in a tiny apartment above the neighborhood bar they own. They face the real and often comical struggles of life in this funny and touching semi-autobiographical play by Tom Dudzick.

The Pajama Game (September 12–October 13, 2019)

There’s trouble at the Sleep-Tite pajama factory when workers demand a raise of 7 ½ cents. Both sides are standing strong. But when the head of the union grievance committee meets her new supervisor, love changes the game. This musical comedy romance includes favorites such as “Steam Heat,” “Hernando’s Hideaway,” and “Hey, There.” With music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, and book by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, The Pajama Game is the Tony Award winner for Best Musical that inspired the film starring Doris Day.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – The Musical (November 14–December 22, 2019)

This is Linda Fortunato’s holiday highlight to conclude the 2019 season, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin and book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Audiences will celebrate the holidays with this stage adaptation of the film that starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen. Song and dance duo Bob and Phil follow singing sisters Betty and Judy to their Christmas show at a quaint Vermont lodge in this family classic packed with Irving Berlin favorites including “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” “Count Your Blessings,” “Sisters,” and, of course, “White Christmas.” Irving Berlin’s White Christmas – The Musical will be directed and choreographed by Linda Fortunato.

Renewal for existing Season Subscribers to secure the 2019 Season begins August 19, 2018, and continues through September 23, 2018. Sales offered for new Season Subscription patrons will begin October 9. Individual tickets for any of the five Mainstage shows of the new 2019 Season will go on sale beginning December 11.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more. Theatre at the Center is located within the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster, Indiana.

 

The Lansing Journal
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