The Players Theatre News www.theplayers.org
838 North Tamiami Trail • Sarasota, FL 34236 • 941.365.2494 Fax: 941.954.0282
January 12, 2015
“CELEBRATING WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE”
THE PLAYERS THEATRE ANNOUNCES ITS 86TH BROADWAY SEASON
Sarasota, FL – The Players Theatre is pleased to announce their 2015-2016 86th Broadway Season show lineup to begin September, 2015. This year’s theme is “Celebrating What Makes Unique” and each show gives its own personal reason to celebrate. The Players 86th Broadway Season consists of shows that have never before been produced on The Players stage in the entire 86 years of its existence. The lineup consists of 5 hit musicals bookended by two entertaining straight plays. An extra pre-season bonus show will be presented by Two Chairs Theatre Company as a primer for the season beginning at the end of September.
Subscriptions are currently being sold for the season and come in several forms. The Preview Series (first Wednesday of each run) includes a ticket to the preview performance of all seven Broadway shows for only $98. The Broadway Gold Series includes a ticket to all seven shows with the added perk of “same seat, same day” benefits for only $122.50. There is also a Flex Pass Series which is essentially seven “flexible” tickets that can be used in any combination. Each package comes with many subscriber perks such as priority seating, repeat renewal privileges, liberal ticket exchange policy and 10% discount on purchasing extra tickets. Each subscription is subject to a $5 Subscription processing fee. Each subscription represents up to a 44% savings over regularly priced single seats. Single tickets run between $25 and $30 dollars.
On Friday, January 9, 2015, The Players held a formal announcement reception in their freshly revamped lobby. Local media, sponsors, and friends of the theatre were treated to delicious fare from Café L’Europe and an entertaining reveal by Artistic Director, Jeffery Kin. Over the course of the evening, the upcoming season garnered over $25,000 in private sponsorships giving the shows an extra push toward success. Michelle Bianchi Pingel, Managing Director, explains, “We’re so grateful for the support that we receive from the many people that care about the arts and live theatre in Sarasota. Each show still has room for further sponsorships and we would love to graciously accept any gifts of time, effort, manpower, expertise, and of course, the monetary sort.” Sponsorships come with many perks including recognition in several forms of media, complimentary tickets to events, reserved parking spots and more! Call 941-365-2494 for more information.
The Players 2015-2016 86th Broadway Season is announced as follows:
*Pre Season Bonus Show
Cat On A Hot Tin Roof
September 3-13, 2015
This 1955 Pulitzer Prize winning drama by Tennessee Williams is a powerful, gripping tale of passion, greed and death. Full of unforgettable characters, this production by the critically acclaimed Two Chairs Theatre Company must not be missed!
Sept. 3: Opening Night
Sept. 3-5, 8-12 at 7:30pm
Sept. 6, 13 at 2pm
The 39 Steps
September 30-October 11, 2015
Celebrating: Imagination! International Intrigue! Fun!
Mix a Hitchcock masterpiece with a juicy spy novel, add a dash of Monty Python and you have this fast-paced whodunit for anyone who loves the magic of theatre! This 2-time Tony and Drama Desk award-winning treat is packed with nonstop laughs. The New York Post called it, “The most entertaining show on Broadway!”
Sept. 30: Preview; Oct. 1: Opening Night
Sept 30, Oct.1, 3, 6-10 at 7:30pm
Sept. 4, 10, 11 at 2pm
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
October 28 – November 15, 2015
Celebrating: Discovery! Song! A Flying Car!
Everyone’s favorite flying car comes to life in the musical adaptation of the beloved family film. Take a fantastic musical adventure as this out-of-this-world car flies through the air and sails the seas. Featuring an unforgettable score by the Sherman brothers (Mary Poppins), this is a family-friendly blockbuster that audiences will find “Truly Scrumptious.” *Area Premiere
Oct. 28: Preview; Oct 29: Opening Night
Oct. 28, 29, 31, Nov. 3-7, 12-14 at 7:30pm
Nov. 1, 7, 8, 15 at 2pm
She Loves Me
December 2-20, 2015
Celebrating: Love! Innocence! Romance!
Considered by many to be the most charming musical ever written, this scented case of mistaken identity and letter writing follows two feuding perfume clerks that have no idea that they are in love. This intimate and touching show was nominated for five Tony Awards, The Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 1994 Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.
Dec. 2: Preview Night; Dec 3: Opening Night
Dec. 2, 3, 5, 8-12, 17-19 at 7:30pm
Dec. 6, 12, 13, 20 at 2pm
The Drowsy Chaperone
January 13-31, 2016
Celebrating: Musical Comedy! Mischief! Farce!
When a die-hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious musical farce. Winner of 5 Tony Awards (including Best Book and Best Original Score) this loving send-up of the Jazz Age musical feature one show-stopping song and dance number after another. New York Magazine called it, “The Perfect Broadway Musical.”
Jan. 13: Preview; Jan. 14: Opening Night
Jan. 13, 14, 16, 19-23, 28-30 at 7:30pm
Jan. 17, 23, 24, 31 at 2pm
Hands On A Hardbody
February 17 – March 6, 2016
Celebrating: Hope! Ambition! The American Dream!
For 10 hard-luck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor and ambition, they’ll fight to keep at least one hand on a brand new truck in order to win it. Inspired by true events, and infused with a “fresh roots-rock vibe,” this is the hilarious hard-fought contest where only one winner can drive away with The American Dream. 10 contestants. 4 days. 1 truck. *Area Premiere.
Feb. 17: Preview; Feb. 18: Opening Night
Feb. 17, 18, 20, 23-27, Mar. 3-5 at 7:30pm
Feb. 21, 27, 28, Mar. 6 at 2pm
La Cage Aux Folles
March 23 – April 10, 2016
Celebrating: Family! Drag Shows! Hilarity!
Georges is the suave owner of a glitzy drag club on the French Riviera. Partnered romantically with his high-strung star performer, Albin (who goes by the stage name Zaza), the pair live a charmed life—until Georges’ son, Jean-Michel, turns up engaged to the daughter of a conservative politician who’s coming to dinner. Winner of numerous awards, this much-revived musical adds a new dimension to the boulevard comedy.
Mar. 23: Preview; Mar. 24: Opening Night
Mar. 23, 24, 26, 29-31, Apr. 1, 2, 7-9 at 7pm
Mar. 27, Apr. 2, 3, 10 at 2pm
The Smell Of The Kill
April 27 – May 8, 2016
Celebrating: Wit! Devotion! Dark Humor!
Take three delicious, malicious wives, add three miserable, unloving husbands and chill. That’s the recipe of Michele Lowe’s tantalizing new comedy that had Broadway audiences cheering. This black comedy is a guilty pleasure that according to Variety Magazine “boasts lines and scenes that has everyone laughing as uproariously as The Producers.”
Apr. 27: Preview; Apr. 28: Opening Night
Apr. 27, 28, 30, May 3-7 at 7:30pm
May 1, 7, 8 at 2pm
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The Players Theatre
838 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota FL 34236, 941-365-2494, Fax: 941-954-0282
www.theplayers.org. Box Office: Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and one hour prior to curtain time.
The Players Box Office is located on Tamiami Trail between 10th Street and Blvd. of the Arts.
