Downtown Knoxville & Everything West | Broadway at the Tennessee

Broadway shows set to “Razzle Dazzle” Tennessee Theatre audiences during the 80th anniversary celebration

Not unlike the Great White Way, the Tennessee Theatre has had its share of revivals. Since its inception in 1928, the venue has played many different roles in the Knoxville community, most recently as the crown jewel of performance spaces in Tennessee since the theater's $25M restoration. In honor of theater's 80th anniversary, the theater has picked up the baton to conduct a series of touring Broadway shows, starting with productions of Chicago, Movin' Out, Hairspray, Stomp, Sweeney Todd and Jesus Christ Superstar.

"We've wanted to start staging Broadway shows at the Tennessee Theatre for some time, and at last the time is right," says AC Entertainment President and CEO Ashley Capps, who is also the Artistic Director of the Historic Tennessee Theatre. "When the Tennessee was renovated, we paid special attention to the technical needs of these major productions so that the theatre could accommodate them. It's a perfect match - the opulence of the Tennessee with these grand theatrical events... it's going to be a real treat for Broadway lovers."

In April, the Tennessee Theatre hired Carl Thompson, former General Manager of the Broadway in Knoxville series, to spearhead the Broadway at the Tennessee series and plan a season of shows appealing to a broad range of people.

"This season offers some familiar favorites," says Thompson. "We have been able to quickly secure some of most outstanding productions available on the national touring market." Previous Broadway in Knoxville subscribers have been contacted about the new opportunity to see Broadway shows in the intimate setting of the Tennessee Theatre. While the 2008-2009 series is already confirmed, Thompson hints about the exciting shows in store for subscribers in the seasons ahead.

"We've already opened a line of communication with the producers of such shows as Les Miserables, Legally Blond, The Color Purple and Wicked," Thompson says. "Many of these titles are on the immediate horizon. In order to have early access to these shows, we encourage people to lock in their seats now before we are sold out."

The 2008-2009

Broadway in Knoxville season is:

Chicago - October 7, 8 & 9, 2008

Murder, greed, corruption, violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery - the cornerstones of the sultry and alluring Broadway musical hit Chicago based on the 1926 play by the same name. In 2002, Chicago took to the big screen, winning six Oscars and leading to the rebirth of the musical. Chicago is the story of seductive nightclub dancer Roxie Hart who finds that the road to fame can be a trail of blood. Throw in a cunning lawyer and a bit of razzle dazzle, and Roxie goes from cold-hearted killer to the toast of the town.

Movin' Out: Farewell Tour - December 13, 2008

Five-time Grammy winner Billy Joel and legendary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined forces to create the spectacular new musical Time magazine declares "The No. 1 show of the year!" The New York Times calls Movin' Out "a shimmering portrait of an American generation. These tornado-driven dancers and rock musicians propel the audience into delirious ovations." Movin' Out brings 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying new life as it tells the story of five life-long friends over two turbulent decades. It all adds up to one unforgettable Broadway musical.

Hairspray - January 27 & 28, 2009

It's 1962, and pleasantly plump Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire: to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, but she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network-all without denting her ‘do! Don't miss Hairspray, Broadway's musical-comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture and won eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. As The New York Times says, "If life were everything it should be, it would be more like Hairspray. It's irresistible!"

Jesus Christ Superstar - March 9, 2009

Jesus Christ Superstar, the first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the scene in 1971, changing the world of musical theatre forever. With a score of amazing songs-"I Don't Know How to Love Him," "Hosanna," "Everything's Alright," "What's the Buzz" "Superstar" and "Heaven on Their Mind" - this original groundbreaking production starring Ted Neeley in the title role and Living Colour's Corey Glover as Judas is as relevant and timeless as ever.

Sweeney Todd - April 7, 2009

Experience, live on stage, the musical that inspired the Tim Burton and Johnny Depp movie. This revolutionary revival features a multi-talented ensemble of 10 actor/musicians. When the infamous demon barber takes up with his crafty neighbor Mrs. Lovett, the two embark on a delicious plot to slice their way through London's upper crust. Justice is served-along with lush melody, audacious humor and hair-raising excitement. Don't miss this phenomenal production-with full music and lyrics by multiple Tony Award-winner Stephen Sondheim and direction/design by Tony Award-winner John Doyle.

Stomp - April 28 & 29, 2009

Stomp is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments-matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps-to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. As USA Today says, "Stomp finds beautiful noises in the strangest places." Stomp. See what all the noise is about!

For more information visit www.tennesseetheatre.com or call 865.648.1200