Pantages releases 2015-16 season

HOLLYWOOD – The Pantages Theatre has released its 2015-16 season schedule and it includes four L.A. premieres direct from Broadway. The first premiere will be “If/Then,” an original musical written by the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning creators of “Next to Normal.”

Following will be “Bullets Over Broadway,” featuring a book by Woody Allen and Douglas McGrath based on the 1994 film of the same name.

“The Illusionists – Witness the Impossible,” the world’s best-selling touring magic show, will bring their stunning acts of grand illusion, levitation and mind-reading to the Hollywood Pantages stage.

The previously-announced Tony-winning “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical,” will round out the season’s L.A. premieres.

The Pantages will also celebrate the Los Angeles return of four classic hits, including “Annie” (helmed by original Broadway lyricist and director Martin Charnin), “Dirty Dancing” (returning to Los Angeles for the first time in seven years), the classic and dance-heavy musical “42nd Street” and Roundabout Theatre Company’s Tony Award-winning production “Cabaret”.

Season ticket packages go on sale to the general public Feb. 23.

The full season schedule is below:

“Annie” Oct. 13-Nov. 1, 2015

The beloved score for “Annie” includes “Maybe,” “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You” and the eternal anthem of optimism “Tomorrow.”

“If/Then,” Dec. 8, 2015 – Jan. 3, 2016

“If/Then” is the contemporary Broadway musical about living in New York today – and all the possibilities of tomorrow.

The original musical simultaneously follows one woman’s two possible life paths, painting a deeply moving portrait of the lives we lead, as well as the lives we might have led.

“Bullets Over Broadway,” Jan. 5-24, 2016

Based on the screenplay of the acclaimed 1994 film by Woody Allen and Douglas McGrath, “Bullets Over Broadway” is a musical comedy about the making of a Broadway show. It’s the story of a young playwright who, in desperate need of financial backing for his next show, accepts an offer he can’t refuse from a mobster looking to please his showgirl girlfriend.

“Bullets Over Broadway” played the St. James Theatre on Broadway where it was praised by the New York Post for its “zingers and puns, slapstick and visual gags, and tap-dancing chorus girls.”

“Dirty Dancing,” Feb. 2-21, 2016

Seen by millions across the globe, the worldwide smash hit features the sons “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.”

It’s the summer of 1963, and 17-year-old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is on vacation in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents. Baby discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles upon the staff quarters where an all-night dance party is in full swing.

Mesmerized by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle, the resort dance instructor. Baby’s life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady both on-stage and off with breathtaking consequences.

“The Illusionists – Witness the Impossible,” Feb. 23 – March 13, 2016

Having broken box office records around the world, “The Illusionists” recently made its U.S. debut on Broadway at New York City’s Marquis Theatre in Times Square.

The spectacular showcases the talents of “mind-blowing” illusionists. The show features magic tricks, death-defying stunts and “acts of breathtaking wonder.”

“42nd Street,” May 31 – June 19, 2016

The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, “42nd Street” is one of the longest running musicals in Broadway history.

The musical is a song and dance fable of Broadway with an American dream story and some of the greatest songs ever written, including “We’re in the Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off to Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes for You” and “42nd Street.”

“Beautiful – the Carole King Musical,” June 22 – July 17, 2016

“Beautiful,” about the life and career of legendary and groundbreaking singer/songwriter Carole King, has consistently been one of Broadway’s top grossing shows and sells out nightly, attracting such fans as Taylor Swift, Hillary Clinton, Kathie Lee Gifford, Rosie O’Donnell, Tom Hanks and Simon Cowell.

Long before she was Carole King, the music legend was Carol Klein, a Brooklyn girl with passion and chutzpah. She fought her way into the record business as a teenager and, by the time she reached her twenties, had the husband of her dreams and a flourishing career writing hits for the biggest acts in rock and roll.

It wasn’t until her personal life began to crack, however, that she found her true voice.

“Cabaret,” July 19 – Aug. 7, 2016

“Cabaret” tells the story of the infamous Kit Kat Klub, where the emcee, Sally Bowles, and a racous ensemble take the stage nightly to tantalize the crowd – and to leave their troubles outside.

But as life in pre-WWII Germany grows more and more uncertain, the question remains as to whether or not the decadent allure of Berlin nightlife will be enough to get them through their dangerous times.

“Cabaret” features some of the most memorable songs in theater history, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.”

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Published: Jan. 29, 2015 - Volume 13 - Issue 42