Victoria Theatre Announces 2013-14 Line-up

DAYTON -- Victoria Theatre Association on Thursday announced the 2013-2014 Season, including the Premier Health Broadway Series, the Projects Unlimited Variety Series, the PNC Family Series and, The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series, at a special event for Season Ticket Holders, donors and friends of Victoria Theatre Association this evening.
 
The event was held in the Wintergarden of the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center. Community members took turns announcing the various titles of each series. A life-size puppet Joey from WAR HORSE was the highlight of the event. More than 500 people were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at how the award-winning horse breathes, moves and expresses emotion through the art of puppetry.
 
The new season is a real tribute to the variety found on a Broadway stage, said Ken Neufeld, President & CEO of Victoria Theatre Association and the Arts Center Foundation.  In one season, we have the Tony Award winners for both Best Play and Best Musical in WAR HORSE and MEMPHIS. We have a beloved Broadway classic in Disney s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. In addition we have a smashing new musical comedy in SISTER ACT, a heart-warming holiday favorite with IT S A WONDERFUL LIFE:  A LIVE RADIO PLAY, and the gathering of four of the most influential musicians of the 20th century in MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET. Our 2013-2014 Premier Health Broadway Series has it all. The Projects Unlimited Variety Series continues to shine with its eclectic mix of comedy and music and our PNC Family Series maintains its phenomenal reputation as an inexpensive series everyone in the family can enjoy!
 
Season Ticket Holders for the Premier Health Broadway Series had the opportunity to pick up their renewal packs at tonight s event.  The remaining renewal packets will be mailed Friday, February 8.  Deadline for seating change requests for the Premier Health Broadway Series is March 10.  For same seats and best prices, Season Ticket Holders need to renew by March 5.
 
All Season Ticket Holders have the opportunity to purchase tickets for Star Attraction shows in advance of the general public.
 
Renewal packets for Season Ticket Holders to both the PNC Family Series and Projects Unlimited Variety Series will be mailed Monday, March 4.
 
Individual tickets to all performances will go on sale this summer.
 
Season Tickets for the 2013-2014 Premier Health Broadway Series are on sale now via Ticket Center Stage the official ticket outlet for Victoria Theatre Association presentations. Season Tickets may be renewed in person at the Box Office located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center or by phone at (937) 228-3630 or toll free at (888) 228-3630.  Ticket Center Stage Box Office hours are Monday Friday 10 a.m. 6 p.m., Saturday noon 4 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance.
 
2013-2014 Premier Health Broadway Series

WAR HORSE
October 22-27, 2013 Schuster Center
 
A heart-warming tale of loyalty and friendship, WAR HORSE tells the story of young Albert and his beloved horse, Joey. This powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness that is currently playing to packed houses in London and around the world. At its heart are astonishing life-sized puppets created by South Africa s Handspring Puppet Company, that bring to life breathing, galloping, charging horses strong enough for men to ride. A blast of pure theatrical imagination. Awe-inspiring! Newsday
 
IT S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY
December 3-15, 2013 Victoria Theatre
 
This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast complete with jazzy radio jingles, hilarious commercials, and a glamorous cast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. IT S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO SHOW will be produced by our friends at The Human Race Theatre Company. "One of the best holiday shows around. This is a fresh and inventive way of reconnecting with a classic story of love and redemption."- Chicago Sun-Times
 
SISTER ACT
January 28-February 2, 2014 Schuster Center
 
Coming direct from Broadway, SISTER ACT is the feel-amazing musical comedy smash that the New York Post calls "ridiculously fun, and audiences are jumping to their feet in total agreement! Featuring original music by Tony and 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors), SISTER ACT tells the hilarious story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, SISTER ACT is reason to rejoice!
 
MEMPHIS
April 8-13, 2014 Schuster Center
 
Turn up that dial! From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock n roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical, MEMPHIS features a Tony -winning book by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You re Perfect, Now Change) and a Tony -winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan.
 
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
May 27-June 1, 2014 Schuster Center
 
The romantic Broadway musical for all generations, Disney s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the smash hit Broadway musical, is returning to Dayton!  Based on the Academy Award -winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including Be Our Guest and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST at the Schuster Center!
 
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET
June 17-22, 2014 Schuster Center
 
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET is the smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians gathered at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions ever. MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary night to life, featuring a score of rock hits including "Blue Suede Shoes," "Fever," "That's All Right," "Sixteen Tons," "Great Balls of Fire," "Walk the Line," "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," "Who Do You Love?," "Matchbox," "Folsom Prison Blues," "Hound Dog" and more.
 
Season Tickets for the Premier Health Broadway Series start at $260. Deadline for seating change requests for the Premier Health Broadway Series is March 10.  For same seats and best prices, Season Ticket Holders need to renew by March 5. Visit the Ticket Center Stage Box Office located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center or call at (937) 228-3630, (888) 228-3630 or
or subscribe online at www.ticketcenterstage.com!
 
2013-2014 Projects Unlimited Variety Series
Comedian TOM COTTER
October 18, 2013 Victoria Theatre
 
With a burst of energy, TOM COTTER has taken the comedy scene by storm this year as a finalist on NBC's "America's Got Talent."  Tom's other television credits include "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, "New Joke City with Robert Klein," "The RuPaul Show," A&E's "An Evening at the Improv," as well as Comedy Central's "Two-Drink Minimum," "Short Attention Span Theatre," "Premium Blend" and his very own half-hour special "Comedy Central Presents... Tom Cotter."   Tom plays in America's most famous comedy clubs including, The Improv, Catch a Rising Star, and Caroline's On Broadway just to name a few. Tom has also been featured at The Montreal Just for Laughs Festival and at the HBO Aspen Comedy Arts Festival.
 
YOU SAY TOMATO, I SAY SHUT UP
March 14, 2014 Victoria Theatre
 
After fifteen years of marriage, TV personalities and real-life-married-couple Annabelle Gurwitch ( Dinner and a Movie, Fired!) and Jeff Kahn ( The Ben Stiller Show, Forty Year Old Virgin) have adapted their hilarious and often moving memoir, YOU SAY TOMATO, I SAY SHUT UP!, for the stage. YOU SAY TOMATO, I SAY SHUT UP! strikes directly to the funny bone (Charlotte Observer) by offering a hilarious glimpse into a relationship that seems doomed by opposing personalities from the start. Gurwitch and Kahn s delightfully crazy lifestyle manages to keep their relationship intact, up-ending every idea you ever had about living happily ever after . This new production is now starring Gabrielle Mirabella (Annabelle) and Kevin Bartini (Jeff).
 
BLACK VIOLIN
May 2, 2014 Victoria Theatre
 
Virtuoso violinists Kev and Wil B are back to once again raise the roof sky-high with their funky fusion of classical, jazz, hip-hop, blues and R&B. Joining Kev and Wil B are DJ TK on the turntables, Beatdown on drums and Joe Cello on cello. Apollo Legends BLACK VIOLIN composes a concert just for you with booming new beats, classic faves and cool pop covers. With superstars Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Akon, Diddy and Linkin Park singing their praises, BLACK VIOLIN smashes musical stereotypes and will enthrall lovers of Bach and Beyonc . They have inspired folks from all over North America to get fired up about classical music proving that their hearts are as big and soulful as their sound.
 
2013-2014 Star Attractions
MAMMA MIA!
November 29-December 1, 2013 Schuster Center
 
MAMMA MIA! is the ultimate feel-good show that has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill.  Now it s your turn to have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBA s greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, S.O.S., Super Trouper, Take a Chance on Me and The Winner Takes It All, with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.  Whether it s your first visit or your fourteenth, see the show that has the whole world coming back for more, because every time feels like the first time at MAMMA MIA!
 
More Star Attractions to be announced soon!
 
 
2013-2014 PNC Family Series

SQUIRM BURPEE CIRCUS
November 2, 2013 Victoria Theatre
 
The SQUIRM BURPEE CIRCUS is an exhilarating, fantastical adventure featuring classic vaudeville comedy, high-skill circus acts and a plot rooted in American melodrama. Featuring an eye-catching cast and a beautiful, Cirque-like aesthetic, the show explodes with high-energy acts like The Human Cannon, The Ladder of Love and Chainsaw Juggling, not to mention classic vaudeville comedy routines, hilarious romantic antics and swing dancing!
 
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
February 1, 2014 Victoria Theatre
           
With their usual wild inventiveness and ingenious story-telling, The Zoot Theatre Company returns to the Victoria Theatre, with their imaginative and captivating puppets! Get ready for a cunning new production of Lewis Carroll s ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Experience this fantastical tale like never before with an incredible Cheshire Cat, an over-the-top Queen of Hearts, an amazing Mad Hatter, the bemused Alice herself, and much more.
 
THE UGLY DUCKLING & THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE
March 8, 2014 Victoria Theatre
 
In an age when television, computers and video games reign supreme, the folks at Light Wire Theater ( America s Got Talent favorites) bring their use of cutting edge technology, moving sculpture, and dance to an unforgettable theatrical experience that brings the classic stories of THE UGLY DUCKLING and THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE to life with dazzling visuals and the creative use of music ranging from classical to jazz to pop.
 
BLACK VIOLIN
May 3, 2014 Victoria Theatre
 
Virtuoso violinists Kev and Wil B will raise the roof sky-high with their funky fusion of classical, jazz, hip-hop blues and R&B. Joining the duo are DJ TK on the turntables, Beatdown on drums and Joe Cello on cello. Apllo Legends BLACK VIOLIN compose a concert just for kids with new beats, classic faves and cool pop covers smashing musical stereotypes by mixing Bach and Beyonc and more! BLACK VIOLIN will do a 2-day residency at Victoria Theatre including student and family performances in addition to the Projects Unlimited Variety Series performance for adults.
 
2013-2014 The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series
 
Through The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series, the stage becomes a classroom a place where theatre professionals partner with educators to ignite students quest to discover more about the world and their place in it. Integrating the arts with other academic subjects, Discovery performances are held in the historic Victoria Theatre and annually reach nearly 30,000 students. Three productions from the PNC Family Series will also have performances for the Discovery audiences.
 
COYOTE S DANCE: TALES OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN
October 30, 2013       
 
COYOTE S DANCE leads audiences into the remarkable world of Coyote, the infamous mischief-maker from Native American cultures. Follow Coyote as he humorously tries to turn himself blue with the help of a songbird, outwit a sly and handsome Fox for his eagle feathered-robe and dance with the mesmerizing stars in the universe.
 
SQUIRM BURPEE CIRCUS
November 1, 2013     
 
The SQUIRM BURPEE CIRCUS is an exhilarating, fantastical adventure featuring classic
vaudeville comedy, high-skill circus acts and a plot rooted in American melodrama.
Featuring an eye-catching cast and a beautiful, Cirque-like aesthetic, the show explodes with high-energy acts like The Human Cannon, The Ladder of Love and Chainsaw Juggling, not to mention classic vaudeville comedy routines, hilarious romantic antics and swing dancing!
 
DOKTOR KABOOM
November 5, 2013     
 
DOKTOR KABOOM entertains with his original interactive science comedy show that creatively blends theatre arts with the wonders of scientific exploration. DOKTOR KABOOM will take you on a sidesplitting journey of spectacular (and of successful) science experiments designed to involve, excite, educate and entertain.
 
SKIPPYJON JONES
November 13, 2013   
 
Based on the book by Judy Schachner, SKIPPYJON JONES is an enchanting musical about unleashing your powerful imagination and following your dreams. SKIPPYJON JONES pretends to be a bird, a llama, and sometimes a whale anything BUT a Siamese cat!
 
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR AND OTHER ERIC CARLE FAVOURITES
January 21, 2014        
 
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR AND OTHER ERIC CARLE FAVOURITES includes the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar s metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly, the fanciful account of
Little Cloud s travels through the sky, and The Mixed-Up Chameleon s discovery of his
own unique nature all in mesmerizing and innovative black light puppetry.
 
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
January 31, 2014        
 
With their usual wild inventiveness and ingenious story-telling, The Zoot Theatre Company returns to the Victoria Theatre, with their imaginative and captivating puppets! Get ready for a cunning new production of Lewis Carroll s ALICE IN WONDERLAND. Experience this fantastical tale like never before with an incredible Cheshire Cat, an over-the-top Queen of Hearts, an amazing Mad Hatter, the bemused Alice herself, and much more.
 
JUNIE B. JONES                                                                                  
February 6- 7, 2014   
 
JUNIE B. JONES is the entertaining musical based on several books about Junie B s first grade experience:  Junie B., First Grader (at last!), Junie B., Boss of Lunch, and Junie B., One-Man Band. The connective tissue tying these stories together is a fourth book, Top-Secret Personal Beeswax: A Journal by Junie B. (and Me!), which features diary entries by Junie, designed to give your students ideas for their own writings and discussions.
 
THE UGLY DUCKLING & THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE
March 7, 2014                       
 
In an age when television, computers and video games reign supreme, the folks at Light Wire Theater ( America s Got Talent favorites) bring their use of cutting edge technology, moving sculpture, and dance to an unforgettable theatrical experience that brings the classic stories of  THE UGLY DUCKLING and THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE TO life with dazzling visuals and the creative use of music ranging from classical to jazz to pop.
 
WE RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT
March 12, 2014         
 
Michael Rosen s award-winning book is brought vividly and noisily to life as we join our intrepid adventurers on their quest to find a bear. As they wade through the gigantic swishy swashy grass, the splishy splashy river and the thick oozy, squelchy mud, expect catchy songs, interactive scenes and plenty of hands-on adventure plus a few special surprises!
 
BLACK VIOLIN
May 2, 2014               
 
Virtuoso violinists Kev and Wil B will raise the roof sky-high with their funky fusion of classical, jazz, hip-hop blues and R&B. Joining the duo are DJ TK on the turntables, Beatdown on drums and Joe Cello on cello. Apollo Legends BLACK VIOLIN compose a concert just for kids with new beats, classic faves and cool pop covers smashing musical stereotypes by mixing Bach and Beyonc and more!
 
PETER PAN
May 6, 2014   
 
Adapted from the classic tale by J.M. Barrie, PETER PAN explores the journey of a group of children in turn-of-the-century London who use their imaginations to reenact the popular tale. As the children fly to Neverland and escape the evil Captain Hook and Mr. Smee, they recognize the importance of friendship as well as the value of being part of a family. This production encourages children to let their imaginations take flight and to create their own adventures using household objects as props and puppets as characters.
 
 
Victoria Theatre Association is one of Dayton s premier arts organizations, presenting the Premier Health Broadway Series, the PNC Family Series, the Cool Films Series, the Projects Unlimited Variety Series, African-American Arts Festival, the Fifth Third Bank National Geographic Live Series and The Frank M. Tait Foundation Discovery Series, which features curriculum-enhanced live theatre productions for school children. In addition to the performances it presents, Victoria Theatre Association also manages the historic Victoria Theatre, the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, and the Metropolitan Arts Center, which houses The Loft Theatre. Victoria Theatre Association receives funding from a variety of diverse public, corporate, individual and private sources, including the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District and the Ohio Arts Council. The Ohio Arts Council and National Endowment of the Arts helped fund this program or organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.Victoria Theatre Announces 2013-14 Line-up

Friday, February 8 2013, 08:22 AM EST