The Broadway Collection Welcomes Four New Arrivals
The Latest Additions to the Broadway Collection Expand Its Uniquely Diverse Cultural Offerings
New York, March 5, 2015 – Broadway Inbound’s The Broadway Collection offers the best in culturally engaging performances in New York City and this March, announces the latest round of diverse new members which round out its expansive portfolio. The New York Philharmonic is a new member, and cultural leader in New York City, the United States, and the world. In the 2014-2015 season alone, performances, education programs, and broadcasts will reach up to 50 million domestic and international music lovers. Roundabout Theater Company, including its season of Broadway, Off-Broadway, and underground theater performances has also joined The Broadway Collection. In the 2015-2016 season, they are celebrating fifty years of contributions to the cultural landscape of New York City for both locals and inbound visitors. Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is another new member along with their Great Performers series, which kicks off its landmark, 50th installment in the fall of 2015. Gigi, Lerner and Loewe’s romantic comedy about one young woman’s journey to find her true self and her true love is the final addition to The Broadway Collection.
One of the oldest symphony orchestras in the world, the New York Philharmonic will attract additional international travelers through partnering with The Broadway Collection. For European travelers interested in previewing this New York City staple cultural experience, the Philharmonic will embark on its EUROPE / SPRING 2015 tour April 16-May 1. Music Director Alan Gilbert will lead performances in six countries, with stops including: London, England; Paris, France; and Frankfurt and Cologne, Germany. In the United States, the range of what a symphony orchestra can be is demonstrated in the Philharmonic’s 2014-2015 season. Highlights for international travelers include world and U.S. premieres and commissions by some of today’s most significant composers, such as John Adams, Peter Eötvös, and Thierry Escaich, in addition to a staging of Honegger’s Joan of Arc at the Stake. Visitors to the country will also be welcome at five free performances throughout the boroughs of New York City from June 17 – June 23. These are presented by the New York Philharmonic to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their Concerts in the Parks, Presented by Didi and Oscar Schafer.
Roundabout Theatre Company is committed to producing the highest quality theatre with the finest artists, sharing stories that endure, and providing accessibility to all audiences. A not-for-profit company, Roundabout fulfills its mission each season through the production of classic plays and musicals; development and production of new works by established and emerging writers; educational initiatives that enrich the lives of children and adults; and a subscription model and audience outreach programs that cultivate and engage all audiences. Becoming a member of The Broadway Collection adheres to that mission, by attracting international audiences to experience a variety of plays, musicals, and new works on its five stages, each of which is specifically designed to enhance the needs of Roundabout’s mission.
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) serves three primary roles: presenter of artistic programming, national leader in arts and education and community relations, and manager of the Lincoln Center campus, which is home to eleven resident companies including fellow Broadway Collection members The Metropolitan Opera and The New York Philharmonic. A presenter of more than 3,000 free and ticketed events, performances, tours, and educational activities annually, LCPA offers 15 series, festivals, and programs. A few ticketed series which will be of particular interest to international travelers throughout the 2015-2016 season include: Great Performers, Lincoln Center Festival, American Songbook, the Mostly Mozart Festival, and the White Light Festival. In addition, the Lincoln Center Out of Doors free series takes place each year in late July and August. Travelers can attend these free outdoor performances without purchasing tickets and will be accommodated on a first come, first serve basis. Artistic programming includes select films, culturally diverse dance performances, musical entertainment in a variety of genres and intimate artist talks.
Set in the magical world of La Belle Époque Paris, Eric Schaeffer directs and Emmy-winner Joshua Bergasse choreographs Gigi‘s return to Broadway. Known for her role in Disney’s High School Musical movies, Vanessa Hudgens makes her Broadway debut as Gigi in an adaptation by one of the UK’s top dramatists, Heidi Thomas. Thomas is also the creator and screenwriter of the BBC series “Call The Midwife,” which highlights 1950’s family life in London’s East End. Thomas’ fluidity between screen and stage is fitting, considering Gigi has found success on numerous platforms. Originally a 1944 novella by the French author Collette, the story became a Broadway play starring internationally acclaimed film and stage actress, Audrey Hepburn. Gigi was then adapted into a nine-time Academy Award-winning movie musical. Austrian-American, Frederic Loewe composed and Alan Jay Lerner contributed book and lyrics for the “Best Picture” winning film. Broadway previews begin March 19, 2015 at the Neil Simon Theater with an official opening night of April 8, 2015.
These new additions to The Broadway Collection will join The Metropolitan Opera and 24 existing shows, including: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Aladdin, An American In Paris, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Blue Man Group, The Book of Mormon, Chicago, Dr. Zhivago, Finding Neverland, Jersey Boys, The King & I , Kinky Boots, Les Miserables, The Lion King, Mamma Mia!, Matilda, On the Town, On The Twentieth Century, On Your Feet, The Phantom of the Opera, It Shoulda Been You, SOMETHING ROTTEN!, Stomp & Wicked.