Broadway in Scranton reschedules all 2021 shows at Scranton Cultural Center due to COVID-19
From a press release:
NAC Entertainment and the Broadway Theatre League of Northeastern Pennsylvania announced this week that the next season of Broadway in Scranton shows at the Scranton Cultural Center has been rescheduled “as COVID-19 continues to uproot even the best-laid plans.”
Those plans were set to begin next week with “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” on Jan. 22-24, dates that were rescheduled from last March. “Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles” and “Waitress” were set for February, followed by Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific,” Stomp, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” the Blue Man Group, and “Cats.” Now they will be delayed for an unspecified amount of time.
“We are looking forward to reopening; however, due to the current uncertainty, the dates of the shows are changing to later than previously announced, and at this point, we simply cannot tell you exactly when that will be. We anticipate the show dates to be finalized in the next few weeks and, once confirmed, you will be the first to know,” they posted on the Broadway in Scranton website.
“What we can tell you is that all of the shows … announced for the new season will be coming to NEPA and entertaining you on the stage at the historic Scranton Cultural Center. ‘Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story,’ which had been rescheduled for January of 2021, will also be coming to NEPA at a later date. Your original tickets will be honored on the new dates. If you have already renewed, there is no further action you need to take. Your seats and your payments are safe and secure.
“If you have not renewed because of concerns over COVID-19, we are still holding your seats! We understand your hesitation but hope you find a greater sense of comfort in subscribing now that the shows will be coming later than originally scheduled.”
NAC Entertainment President and CEO Albert Nocciolino and Broadway Theatre League Executive Director Frank Blasi discussed the situation more in-depth in a town hall session with “Pa Live” host Chris Bohinski, answering questions from patrons and noting that hosting socially distanced shows at smaller capacities just wouldn’t be financially feasible for these productions. Watch the full video below:
Season shows
“Waitress”
Meet Jenna, a waitress and expert pie-maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and rocky marriage. Pouring her heart into her pies, she crafts desserts that mirror her topsy-turvy life such as “The Key (Lime) to Happiness Pie” and “Betrayed By My Eggs Pie.” When a baking contest in a nearby county – and a satisfying encounter with someone new – show Jenna a chance at a fresh start, she must find the courage to seize it. Change is on the menu, as long as Jenna can write her own perfectly personal recipe for happiness.
Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this Tony Award-nominated hit features original music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Sara Bareilles (“Love Song,” “Brave”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (“I Am Sam”), and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (“Jagged Little Pill,” “Pippin,” “Finding Neverland”).
Entertainment Weekly said, “‘Waitress’ is a little slice of heaven!” and New York Magazine called it “sweet, sassy, and passionate.”
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “South Pacific”
Love transcends the harsh realities of war and prejudice in this sweeping Pulitzer Prize-winning tale centered around two unlikely love affairs. Set on a tropical island during World War II, this timeless Rodgers and Hammerstein classic features some of the most beautiful music ever composed woven into an inspiring story cherished the world over.
Winner of 10 Tony Awards, the beloved score’s songs include “Some Enchanted Evening,” “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair,” and “There Is Nothin’ Like a Dame” amidst big Broadway performances and a chorus of American sailors and Navy nurses ready to take you to Bali Ha’i.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”
Roald Dahl’s amazing tale is now Scranton’s golden ticket! It’s the perfect recipe for a delectable treat – songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man,” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of “Hairspray.” Get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper.
“Cats”
“Cats,” the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America.
Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theatre, “Memory.” Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, “Cats” tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.
The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber (“The Phantom of the Opera,” “School of Rock,” “Sunset Boulevard”), original scenic and costume design by John Napier (“Les Misérables”), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz (“Aladdin”), new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler (“Hamilton”) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne (“Phantom”), and direction by Trevor Nunn (“Les Misérables”) make this production a new “Cats” for a new generation!
Specials
“Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles”
In celebration of the anniversary of Abbey Road, RAIN will bring the greatest hits of this epic recording to life, in addition to all your early Beatles favorites. This mind-blowing performance takes you back intime with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is “the next best thing to seeing the Beatles”(Associated Press). Experience the worlds’ most iconic band and come celebrate the best of Abbey Road with RAIN–A TRIBUTE TOTHE BEATLES
Stomp
Stomp is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique, and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments –- matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms.
The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. As USA Today said, “Stomp finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” See what all the noise is about.
Blue Man Group
More than 35 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon that is the Blue Man Group and now it is your turn. They’re returning to Scranton with an exciting new show for a limited engagement on their new North American tour. It’s everything you know and love about the Blue Man Group – signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity, and quirky comedy. The men are still blue, but the rest is all new.
Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction, and hilarious absurdity, join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages.
