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JUST ANNOUNCED! @EnsembleArtsPhilly (Facebook/Instagram)/@EnsembleArtsPHL (Twitter/X) and @TheShubertOrganization (Facebook)/@shubertorg (Instagram/Twitter/X) present the show-stopping 24-25 Broadway series lineup! From new hits to fan favorites, there’s something for everyone! 🎭✨ For more info, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.
Press Contacts:
Lauren A. Woodard Hall
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lhall@ensembleartsphilly.org
Jesse Cute
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jcute@alliedglobalmarketing.com
Aliena Walrond
267-765-3711
awalrond@alliedglobalmarketing.com
ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY AND THE SHUBERT ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCE THE 2024-2025 BROADWAY SERIES FEATURING EXTRAORDINARY PRODUCTIONS WITH A COMBINED 47 TONY® AWARDS AND 42 DRAMA DESKTM AWARD WINS
Season features Philadelphia premieres of new & modern hits & JULIET, MJ THE MUSICAL, SOME LIKE IT HOT, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE, LIFE OF PI, plus anticipated tour of THE WIZ
Returning blockbusters HAMILTON, THE BOOK OF MORMON, and LES MISÉRABLES
SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, PA, March 18, 2024) – Ensemble Arts Philly, a new presenting brand of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Cultural Campus, is proud to partner with The Shubert Organization, owner of the Forrest Theatre, and announce the 2024-2025 Broadway series with a spectacular lineup of remarkable productions, including Broadway’s newest blockbusters, Philly’s favorite revivals, exclusive touring shows, and lively dance performances. This season features 12 incredible shows with a combined 47 Tony® Awards, 42 Drama Desk™ Awards, 5 Olivier Awards, 3 Grammy Awards® and 1 Pulitzer Award. This year’s 7-show subscription package includes: Hamilton, A Beautiful Noise, MJ The Musical, & Juliet, Some Like It Hot, The Wiz, and Life of Pi.
The 24-25 Broadway lineup includes a wide variety of powerful performances that transport audiences to the past through the retelling of history. The season kicks off with the eight-time Tony® Award-winning musical, Les Misérables, set in 19th century France. The show follows Jean Valjean’s struggle for redemption and is known for its powerful songs and compelling narrative of love, sacrifice, and revolution. Also in the fall of 2024, Hamilton follows Alexander Hamilton from early life as a poor orphan to ascendency as the right-hand man of George Washington, and his ultimate fatal duel with Aaron Burr. Come From Away is based on true events directly after the events of September 11, 2001, and tells the remarkable story of 7,000 stranded passengers in a small town in Newfoundland, Canada.
& Juliet, The Book of Mormon, and The Wiz each bring a uniquely fresh take on familiar stories. & Juliet reimagines the classic tale of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet with a modern twist, following Juliet as she takes control of her own fate. The nine-time Tony® Award-winning musical The Book of Mormon brings satire to the stage as two Mormon missionaries attempt to spread their faith in Uganda with hilarious and irreverent results. The newly revived musical, The Wiz, is a reimagined retelling of The Wizard of Oz, set in a vibrant, urban landscape, featuring an all-African American cast and the best of soul, R&B, and pop music; not a stranger to Philadelphia, The Wiz actually had its original pre-Broadway try-out at Philadelphia’s Forrest Theatre in 1974 before it opened on Broadway in 1975.
The lives and careers of pop culture icons are brought to life in the 24-25 Broadway series with shows that take a deeper look into these individuals’ personal and professional struggles and triumphs. MJ The Musical offers a look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that earned Michael Jackson the legendary title of “King of Pop.” A Beautiful Noise follows the uplifting true story of Neil Diamond and his journey from a regular kid in Brooklyn to becoming a chartbusting, show-stopping American rock icon.
A variety of exclusive-touring productions will also make their way to Philadelphia. Based on the 1959 feature film yet updated for the 21st century, Some Like It Hot follows two musicians who disguise themselves to hide from mobsters after witnessing a crime. How The Grinch Stole Christmas comes to life on stage after Thanksgiving, following everyone’s favorite holiday hooligan, The Grinch, as he discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained. Riverdance is a high-energy Irish dance show displaying the talents of a large ensemble of dancers, creating an infectious blend of traditional music and modern choreography. Life of Pi is a thrilling theatrical adaptation of Yann Martel’s beloved novel; through stunning visuals and immersive storytelling experience, audiences are taken on a mesmerizing exploration of faith and survival.
"We are proud to bring the best of Broadway straight from New York to the stages of the Academy of Music, Miller Theater, and Forrest Theatre, engaging the hearts and minds of audiences, whether seasoned theatergoers or first timers,” said President and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky. “This season will feature a terrific mix of new, award-winning productions, as well as popular classics to enrich the diverse and vibrant arts and culture landscape of Philadelphia.”
“The long history of Broadway shows visiting Philadelphia highlights the significance of live theater in our diverse community. By offering a range of genres and stories, these works of art showcase the importance of inclusivity and the power of live entertainment to unite and inspire audiences of all backgrounds. We’re especially proud to showcase the hilarious Some Like It Hot and the joyous A Beautiful Noise at our Forrest Theatre,” said Robert E. Wankel, Chairman and CEO of The Shubert Organization.
The full chronological season lineup includes:
- Les Misérables (August 27 – September 8, 2024, Academy of Music)
- The Book of Mormon (October 1 – 6, 2024, Academy of Music)
- Hamilton (October 29 – November 23, 2024, Academy of Music)
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas (November 26 – December 1, 2024, Miller Theater)
- A Beautiful Noise (December 10 – 22, 2024, The Shubert Organization’s Forrest Theatre)
- MJ The Musical (January 8 – 19, 2025, Academy of Music)
- Come From Away (February 4 – 9, 2025, Academy of Music)
- & Juliet (March 25 – April 6, 2025, Academy of Music)
- Riverdance (April 18 – 20, 2025, Miller Theater)
- Some Like It Hot (May 21 – June 1, 2025, The Shubert Organization’s Forrest Theatre)
- The Wiz (June 3 – 15, 2025, Academy of Music)
- Life of Pi (July 15 – 27, 2025, Academy of Music)
“Ensemble Arts Philly is excited to continue bringing new, in-demand, and award-winning theater to Philadelphia-area audiences year after year,” said Frances Egler, Vice President of Theatrical Programming and Presentations, Ensemble Arts Philly’s resident Tony® Award voter, and curator of the Broadway series. “From the hilarity of The Book of Mormon to the revolutionary brilliance of Hamilton, the breathtaking journey of Life of Pi, and the thrilling reinvention of & Juliet, this upcoming season promises to transport us beyond the stages.”
“When we launched Ensemble Arts Philly as a new presenting brand of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Cultural Campus, we were fueled by a desire to continue sharing the transformative power of the performing arts with Philadelphia,” said Crystal Brewe, Chief Marketing and Audience Experience Officer. “Our 24-25 Broadway series selections reflect our commitment to celebrating a wide range of artistic endeavors and talents on our stages in the name of unforgettable audience experiences.”
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Subscriptions
Flexible 7-show packages are available now and include Tuesday through Sunday performances of Hamilton, A Beautiful Noise, MJ the Musical, & Juliet, Some Like It Hot, The Wiz, and Life of Pi starting as low as $37.00 per show! Subscription packages also include a Wednesday matinee option. Single tickets for individual productions will go on sale at a later date.
Subscribers save up to 20% off single ticket prices and are offered a variety of exclusive event invitations, perks, and privileges, including the first opportunity to select the best seats in the house and the option to renew their seats each year. Additional subscriber benefits include flexible exchange options, priority ticket access, payment plan options, and more.
This season again offers the ultimate in flexibility, giving new and returning subscribers the option to swap up to 3 shows in the package into exclusive extra performances. Subscribers will also have first access to purchase additional tickets before they go on sale to the public.
Packages start at just $37.00 per show and range from $256.00 to $990.00 for all seven shows, depending on seating and performance dates. The easiest way to subscribe and to find more information is online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org/broadway.
Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased from Ensemble Arts Philly. Visit the Ensemble Arts Philly website online at www.ensembleartsphilly.org/groupsales or reach out by phone at (215) 790-5883 or (866) 276-2947. For shows at the Forrest Theatre, groups are booked through Broadway Inbound at www.broadwayinbound.com or by calling (866) 302-0995.
For more information about the Ensemble Arts Philly Broadway lineup, please visit the website at www.ensembleartsphilly.org/broadway.
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FULL INFORMATION ABOUT THE 2024-25 BROADWAY SERIES
LES MISÉRABLES
August 27 – September 8, 2024 • Academy of Music
The Tony® Award-winning musical that first ran on Broadway for 16 years is back with a fresh, young cast moving audiences to tears all over again! The action begins in 1815 as Jean Valjean, a man condemned to 19 years of hard labor for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family, finds only hatred and suspicion when he is released on parole. Meeting one man who believes in him, Valjean breaks his parole to begin a new life. The story truly begins as Jean Valjean crosses the landscape of early 19th century France, always pursued by the righteous police inspector Javert. From his adoption and love of the orphan Cosette to the darkly funny plots of the thieving Thenardites, from the soaring revolutionary fire of the student rebels who fight on the barricade in the streets of Paris to the final confrontation between Jean Valjean and Javert, the story of Les Misérables is one of love, courage, and redemption.
THE BOOK OF MORMON
October 1 – 6, 2024 • Academy of Music
Composed by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone and Avenue Q’s Robert Lopez, The Book of Mormon is an old-style musical with a modern sensibility. This blockbuster show features several big song-and-dance numbers accompanied by some old-fashioned Broadway belting. An equal opportunity offender, the show playfully pokes fun at religion, sexuality, poverty, and race, while inspiring an after-the-show discussion of religion in general.
HAMILTON
October 29 – November 23, 2024 • Academy of Music
A revolutionary story of passion, unstoppable ambition, and the dawn of a new nation.
Hamilton is the epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. Based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography and set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Hamilton features book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire. In addition to its 11 Tony® Awards, it has won Grammy®, Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS
November 26 – December 1, 2024 • Miller Theater
Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls "100 times better than any bedtime story!"
A BEAUTIFUL NOISE
December 10 – 22, 2024 • The Shubert Organization’s Forrest Theatre
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chartbusting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 140 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” and “Sweet Caroline,” an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond’s story was made to shine on Broadway, where the biggest stars tell their story.
Like Jersey Boys and The Carole King Musical before it, A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical is an inspiring, exhilarating, energy-filled musical memoir, that tells the untold true story of how America’s greatest hitmaker became a star, set to the songs that defined his career.
MJ THE MUSICAL
January 8 –19, 2025 • Academy of Music
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Philadelphia as MJ, the multi–Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour, begins a tour of its own. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.
COME FROM AWAY
February 4 – 9, 2025 • Academy of Music
Come From Away is based on the true story of when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned into an international sleepover when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from across the globe, were diverted to Gander’s air strip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar, and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.
& JULIET
March 25 – April 6, 2025 • Academy of Music
& Juliet flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, imagining what would happen next if Juliet hadn’t ended it all over Romeo, and got a second chance at life and love – on her terms. Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, all written by Max Martin and his collaborators, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” “Larger Than Life,” “That’s The Way It Is,” “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” and many more.
RIVERDANCE
April 18 – 20, 2025 • Miller Theater
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show is Riverdance as you’ve never seen it before, a powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy Award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years on, composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage, and costume designs. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary power and grace of its music and dance–beloved by fans of all ages. Fall in love with the magic of Riverdance all over again.
SOME LIKE IT HOT
May 21 – June 1, 2025 • The Shubert Organization’s Forrest Theatre
Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, Some Like It Hot is the "glorious, big, high-kicking" (AP) story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime.
Entertainment Weekly calls Some Like It Hot “a boisterous good time from start to finish, boasting infectious music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, a witty book by Matthew López and Amber Ruffin, and stellar direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw.”
THE WIZ
June 3 – 15, 2025 • Academy of Music
The Tony® Award-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back.
THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new Broadway tour, the first one in 40 years. This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world. With direction by Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney's Aida), choreography by JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies, "Black Is King) and additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers), this dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road. Everybody rejoice!
LIFE OF PI
July 15 – 27, 2025 • Academy of Music
Based on one of the best-loved works of fiction – winner of the Man Booker Prize, selling over fifteen million copies worldwide – Life of Pi is a breath-taking new theatrical adaptation of an epic journey of endurance and hope.
After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean, a sixteen-year-old boy named Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors – a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan, and a 450-pound Royal Bengal Tiger. Time is against them, nature is harsh, who will survive?
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THE SHUBERT ORGANIZATION
The Shubert Organization is America’s oldest professional theatre company and the largest theatre owner on Broadway. Since the dawn of the 20th century, Shubert has operated hundreds of theatres and produced hundreds of plays and musicals both in New York City and throughout the United States. Shubert currently owns and operates 17 Broadway theatres, six off-Broadway venues, and the Forrest Theatre in Philadelphia. Under the leadership of Robert E. Wankel, Chairman and CEO, The Shubert Organization continues to be a leader in the theatre industry. Shubert delivers innovative ticketing solutions via its Telecharge interface, API distribution, and private-label technology, offering unparalleled distribution and marketing to the theatre industry and beyond. Its consumer-facing brands—Telecharge for retail ticket sales and Broadway Inbound for group buyers, tour operators, and the travel industry—sell millions of tickets each year. The Shubert Foundation, sole shareholder of The Shubert Organization, Inc., is dedicated to sustaining and advancing live performing arts in the United States. The Foundation provides general operating support to not-for-profit theatres and dance companies. Foundation grants in 2023 totaled $37.9 million to 635 grantees. For more information, visit www.shubert.nyc.
ABOUT ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY
For more information about ENSEMBLE ARTS PHILLY, visit www.ensembleartsphilly.org.
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For a PDF version of this press release, click here.