“The 2017-2018 Bank of America Broadway Series at The Straz is going to be one of our biggest yet with eight main season shows and five encore shows. We have such a diverse season, from the laugh-out-loud musical School of Rock to some extraordinary, emotionally deep explorations of life like The Color Purple, Fun Home and Waitress,” said Straz Center President and CEO, Judy Lisi.
What’s more, if you become a 2016-2018 season subscriber, you will be able to get tickets to the acclaimed Broadway musical, Hamilton, in the 2018-2019 season. “We are eagerly anticipating, along with everyone else, the arrival of Hamilton in the 2018-2019 season. Everyone wants tickets, so we are getting the word out that the only way to guarantee tickets to Hamilton is to subscribe to the 2017-2018 season so you can renew your seats, guaranteeing your tickets for the 2018-2019 season,” added Lisi.
The 2017-2018 Bank of America Broadway season begins with On Your Feet! running from October 24-29. On Your Feet! tells the story of Emilio and Gloria Estefen. From their humble beginnings in Cuba, the couple came to America and broke through all barriers to become a crossover sensation at the top of the pop music world. On Your Feet! takes you behind the music and inside the real story of this record-making and groundbreaking couple who, in the face of adversity, found a way to end up on their feet.
Next, see Fun Home which will run from November 28 to December 3. Fun Home received rave reviews and won five 2015 Tony Awards including Best Musical. Fun Home is based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir. We are introduced to Alison at three different ages as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood.
You can then see Andrew Lloyd Webber’ spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, which can be seen from December 12 to 17. It is 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House and the Phantom has escaped to a new life in New York. You will not want to miss this magnificent continuation of one of the world’s greatest love stories as it makes its premiere in Tampa.
Beginning on January 2, celebrate the arrival of 2018 with School of Rock which runs through January 18. Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.
Next, back by popular demand, you can see Forever Plaid in the Jaeb Theatre from January 12 through March 11.
The 2016 Tony Award winner for Best Musical Revival, The Color Purple, will be at The Straz Center from March 6 to 11. You will not want to miss this stunning re-imagining of an epic story about a young woman’s journey to love and triumph in the American South.
Next, The Bodyguard, a breathtaking romantic thriller, will come to The Straz from March 20 through 25. The Bodyguard features a host of irresistible classics including Queen of the Night, Run to You, I Wanna Dance With Somebody and I Will Always Love You.
Finally, you can see Waitress from April 24 to 29. Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, Jenna dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage.
You can also see The Book of Mormon from December 5 to 10; Riverdance- The 20th Anniversary World Tour from January 19 to 21; The Phantom of the Opera from February 14 to 25; and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical from March 27 to April 1. These shows are not a part of the 2017-2018 subscription.
Lisi said, “We are proud to present the very best of Broadway to one of the most enthusiastic audiences in the country.”
The Straz Center is located at 1010 N. Macinnes Pl., Tampa. For information, visit Strazcenter.org or call, Monday through Saturday from 12 to 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m., at 229-STAR (7827).
