HOUSTON: Theatre Under The Stars has announced it 2017-18 season, featuring five musicals.
“We are thrilled to present a unique and eclectic mix of programming in the coming season, that pays tribute to the foundation of musical theatre with classic material while attracting emerging audiences with less conventional titles,” said executive director Hillary Hart in a statement.
The season will begin with a presentation of the 5th Ave Theatre and Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of The Secret Garden (Oct. 10-22), with book and lyrics by Marsha Norman and music by Lucy Simon. Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, the musical follows a young orphaned girl who is sent off to England to live with her uncle.
Next up will be Sleeping Beauty and Her Winter Knight (Dec. 6-24), with a book by Kris Lythgoe. The show is an interactive and modern retelling of the classic fairy tale featuring music by Aloe Blacc, Blondie, Bruno Mars, Jessie J, John Legend, Katy Perry, Mariah Carey, LMFAO, Pharrell Williams, and Survivor. Linda Goodrich will direct.
Following will be Memphis (Feb. 20-March 4, 2018), with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music and lyrics by David Bryan, about a radio DJ who wants to change the world and a club singer who is ready for her big break.
Next will be Bright Star (March 13-25, 2018), with a book and music by Steve Martin and lyrics and music by Edie Brickell. Inspired by a real event, the musical follows a literary editor and a young soldier in the 1940s and their shared past.
Guys and Dolls (June 12-24, 2018), with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, about a group of gangsters and gamblers in New York City in the 1920s. Nick DeGruccio will direct.
The final show for the season will be announced at a later date.
Theatre Under the Stars, founded in 1969, produces musicals and promotes community engagement.
