News
Posted: April 28, 2008
ROBERT EARL KEEN
Robert Earl Keen is a legendary, talented American singer-songwriter whose appeal covers country music, folk rock, and alt-country fans alike. Keen is a true hero to many musicians having written songs for/with the likes of George Strait, Margo Timmins (of the Cowboy Junkies) and Lyle Lovett, of whom Keen lived next door to in Austin. Among the large contingent of talented songwriters who emerged in Texas in the 1980s and 1990s, Robert Earl Keen struck an unusual balance between sensitive story-portraits ("Corpus Christi Bay") and raucous barroom fun ("That Buckin' Song"). These two song types in Keen's output were unified by a mordant sense of humor that strongly influenced the early practitioners of what would become known as alternative country music. Including the likes of Todd Snider, Son Volt and more.
Lexington Opera House
Saturday, May 31 at 8pm
Tickets On Sale Friday, May 2 at 10AM!
Tickets available at: Lexington Center Box Office & All Ticketmaster Locations, online at
traconline.com | ticketmaster.com
and 859-233-3535
Ticket price: $25 advance / $27.50 day of show + applicable fees
(all seats reserved)
Posted: March 17, 2008
Broadway Live and Smiley Pete Publishing Present
the American Masterpiece
Cat On A Tin Roof
April 25, 26, & 27 at the Lexington Opera House
Broadway Live and Smiley Pete Publishing present the Tennessee Williams masterpiece Cat on a Hot Tin Roof April 25, 26 and 27 at the Lexington Opera House. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is the 2008 national touring production of The Montana Repertory Company and the season finale of Broadway Live 2008-09.
Written by America’s greatest Southern playwright, Tennessee Williams, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof is set in the South in the 1950’s and is the portrayal of vital and vibrant characters that have become trapped in a repressive society which discourages communication, resulting in unavoidable and unbearable loneliness.
The beautiful yet tragic couple Brick and Maggie Pollitt, are at the center of Williams’ enduring tale of family and forgiveness, love and loss. Brick is a former football hero confined by injury to the upstairs bedroom of his father’s cotton plantation. Indifferent to his father’s millions, Brick drinks to forget the dark secret he and his wife have been hiding for years. Maggie, his sultry young bride, is desperate to inherit the vast estate. It is late summer and the entire Pollitt family has congregated to celebrate Bricks’ father’s 65th birthday. There are fireworks and champagne, gifts and songs, but underneath the festive exterior lie deceptions that threaten to tear this seemingly idyllic Southern family from its very foundation.
Greg Johnson, who has been the artistic director of the Montana Rep since 1990, will direct the play. Heading the cast will be Heather Benton from New York City, playing Maggie the Cat. Heather comes to the Rep fresh from a highly praised production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in Northern California. Eddie Levi Lee, currently from Atlanta, appears as Big Daddy. Lee has had a distinguished career as playwright, director, and actor in a number of key regional theatres in the country.
Tennessee Williams’ place in the pantheon of world literature is secure. With the poetic delicacy of Shakespeare and the insight of Chekhov, Williams brings a particularly American understanding to the human condition. His plays will forever be produced because of his courage, insight, heart, and the sheer brilliance of his language.
Tickets to Cat on a Hot Tin Roof are $25- $65 and are available at the Lexington Center Ticket Office, (859) 233-3535 and all Ticketmaster Outlets.
Posted: February 19, 2008
EVERYTHING'S COMING UP ROSES WHEN TONY AWARD®-WINNING GYPSY ENTERTAINS AT THE LEXINGTON OPERA HOUSE March 28 -30!
Broadway Live and The Shops at Lexington Center present GYPSY at the Lexington Opera House, March 28 -30, 2008. It’s the story of the quintessential stage mother, her dreams for herself and her daughters, and the daughter who dared live her own dream. One of the greatest musicals of all time, GYPSY entertains one and all.
Based on the memoirs of entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee, GYPSY tells the story of Rose, an overbearing stage mother who is determined to make her girls the stars of vaudeville. Rose overwhelmingly favors her younger daughter, June, who headlines the act, while Louise is relegated to the chorus. Rose’s attention eventually turns to her older daughter, but it is Louise herself who discovers her own talent, and becomes a bigger star than Rose ever dreamed possible. Set against the freewheeling days of vaudeville and burlesque, GYPSY explores ambition, jealousy, family relationships, and the bittersweet loss of innocence.
GYPSY was written by three virtuosos of American musical theater: Arthur Laurents (book), Jule Styne (music), and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics). The original production, starring Ethel Merman as Mama Rose and directed by Jerome Robbins, was an instant hit when it opened at the Broadway Theatre in 1959. Subsequent revivals garnered a total of three Tony Awards® and featured such talents as Angela Lansbury, Tyne Daly and Bernadette Peters in the role of Mama Rose.
GYPSY features some of the biggest songs in Broadway history, including Everything’s Coming Up Roses, Rose’s Turn, Some People, and Together, and Wherever We Go.
GYPSY is produced by Phoenix Entertainment. The director is Sam Viverito, with Michael Borth as musical director. The creative team includes Michael Hotopp (scenic design), Charlie Morrison (lighting design), and Craig Cassidy (sound design).
GYPSY will be presented for four performances: Friday, March 28 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets range in price from $25 - $70 and can be purchased at The Lexington Center Ticket Office (859) 233-3535 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Posted: February 1, 2008
Tim Rice And Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Legendary Musical Evita, Coming To The Lexington Opera House February 15-17
Broadway Live and Thomas & King present the legendary musical, EVITA, coming to the Opera House for four performances February 15 – 17 , 2008. Winner of seven Tony Awards, EVITA brings to life the dynamic, larger-than-life persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator, Juan Peron. Eva Peron, blessed with charisma, captivated a nation by championing the working class. The epic story of the rise and fall of Eva Peron is told in a sweeping pop opera, featuring one of Broadway’s most dynamic and lush melodies, “Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina.”
From her illegitimate birth into poverty, to her status as a world player and South America’s most important woman, EVITA is a story of glamour, power and greed.
Beginning its life as a concept album in 1976, EVITA instantly became a global phenomenon. It was the first mega musical when it opened at the Broadway Theatre on September 25, 1979, winning seven Tonys including Best Musical, Score, Book and Director. It played 1,568 performances, closing June 25, 1983.
EVITA became the first Broadway show to be reproduced successfully in every major city in the world, including the Phillipines, where it had been banned under the Marcos regime because of the uncomfortable parallels to Imelda Marcus.
EVITA also became the first musical since the Rodgers & Hammerstein era to burst on to the world’s pop charts. Four of the show’s songs, including the break out hit “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina,” were recorded globally. The Broadway cast album won a Grammy in 1981.
A new generation was introduced to EVITA when Alan Parker’s critically acclaimed film version, starring Madonna and Antonio Banderas, opened in December of 1996. The film received five Oscar nominations, winning for Best Song, and won three Golden Globes including Best Picture.
Tim Rice (Lyricist) won Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score for EVITA. He wrote the stage musicals Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess, King David and The Lion King. He received Oscars for EVITA’s “You Must Love Me,” and “A Whole New World” from Aladdin.
Andrew Lloyd Webber (Composer) won a Tony Award for Best Score for EVITA. He wrote the stage musicals Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, By Jeeves, Song & Dance, CATS, Starlight Express, The Phantom of the Opera, Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard and Whistle Down the Wind. He has won six Tony’s, three Grammy’s and an Oscar in 1997 for EVITA’s “You Must Love Me.”
Tickets for EVITA are $25 - $75 and are on sale now at the Lexington Center Ticket Office (859) 233-3535, Ticketmaster.com or any Ticketmaster outlet. For information, call (859) 233-4567 or visit www.lexingtonoperahouse.com.
Posted: December 20, 2007
A New Musical
Conceived, Choreographed And Directed By
Tony Award-Winner Twyla Tharp
Based On The Songs Of Tony Award-Winner Billy Joel
Coming To The Lexington Opera House January 25-27!
By popular demand, a specially priced 7 p.m. Sunday evening
performance has been added!
MOVIN’ OUT, the Tony Award-winning new musical conceived, choreographed and directed by Twyla Tharp and based on 24 classic songs by Billy Joel, opens at The Lexington Opera House on January 25 and runs for five performances through January 27. By popular demand, an additional
7 p.m. performance has been added on Sunday, January 27. Specially priced tickets for the added performance will go on sale, Friday, December 14th at 10:00 p.m. Tickets to all other performance times are on sale now at the Lexington Center Box Office, (859) 233-3535, Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.
This engagement of MOVIN’ OUT will mark the Lexington premiere of the show that critics say revolutionized musical theatre as we know it. “So exhilarating and soul-stirring, it practically bursts out of the theatre,” said Time Magazine. “Movin’ Out is electrifying! The union of Tharp and Joel is one made in heaven,” raved the Chicago Tribune.
Told through the choreography of Twyla Tharp and more than two dozen of Billy Joel’s songs, MOVIN' OUT is the story of lifelong friends through two turbulent decades that change them and the world around them forever. Songs like “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Pressure” all come together to weave a musical backdrop which beautifully complements Tharp’s innovative choreography. The songs and dance take audiences through a poignant narrative comprised of three main elements: post-World War II idealism, the Vietnam War and its subsequent unrest, and finally, survival.
Many will recognize MOVIN’ OUT’s main characters, as they come straight from Joel’s lyrics. There’s Brenda and Eddie from “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” Tony and Sergeant O’Leary from “Movin’ Out,” Judy from “Why, Judy, Why,” and James from “James”—and their story is told completely through dance, with no dialogue whatsoever. MOVIN’ OUT is “a story told without language,” Tharp says. “The movement and the action tell the story—the experience, the emotional resonance, comes from action rather than language.”
The Broadway production of MOVIN’ OUT played for over three years, closing on December 11, 2005, after 28 previews and 1,303 regular performances. It joined the pantheon of great Broadway dance musicals when it surpassed the runs of Contact, Fosse and Bring in ‘Da Noise/Bring in ‘Da Funk. MOVIN’ OUT received two 2003 Tony Awards – one for Ms. Tharp (Best Choreography) and one for Mr. Joel (Best Orchestrations).
MOVIN’ OUT features a scenic design by Kelly Tighe, costume design by Suzy Benzinger, lighting design by Donald Holder and sound design by Duncan Robert Edwards. Musical Supervision is by Rob Cookman.
The performance schedule for MOVIN’ OUT at The Lexington Opera House is as follows: Friday, January 25 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, January 26 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.; Sunday, January 27 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets prices range from $25 - $75 and may be purchased by calling the Lexington Center Ticket Office (859) 233-3535, Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster Outlets.
Posted: October 31, 2007
Variety Live presents: Home for Christmas featuring Laura Bell Bundy & Lyndy Franklin with the Bluegrass Area Jazz Ambassadors
Variety Live, Blue Grass Airport and the Opera House Fund present Home for Christmas on Monday, December 10, 7:30 p.m. at the Lexington Opera House for one performance only.
This special presentation features two hometown Lexington stars, Laura Bell Bundy and Lyndy Franklin, who are taking time off from their LEGALLY BLONDE and A CHORUS LINE performance schedules to kick off the holidays in Kentucky.
Broadway, Film, Television star and recording artist Laura Bell Bundy received 2007 Tony, Drama Desk and Drama League Award nominations for her role as 
Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. Bundy’s other Broadway roles include originating Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray, and performing Glinda in Wicked. Film credits include Dreamgirls, Jumanji, Life With Mikey, and The Adventures of Huck Finn. Bundy’s TV roles include Marah in "The Guiding Light" (1999-2001) (CBS), "Modern Men" and "Cold Case" (CBS). Recordings include original Broadway cast Legally Blonde, Hairspray; country album, Longing for a Place Already Gone and BAJA’s holiday standards CD, I'll Be Home for Christmas.
Lyndy Franklin made her Broadway debut in the 2006 revival of A Chorus Line as Dance Captain, swing and understudy as Bebe, Maggie, Connie, Kristine, Judy. 
She has also appeared as a dancer/singer in Radio City Music Hall's Christmas Spectacular 2003-2005 (NYC); and National Tour of FOSSE. Other regional roles include Susan Mahoney in Finian's Rainbow (Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia), Taddy Jo in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Casa Manana); Annie in Chicago, Dream Laurey in Oklahoma, (Music Theatre of Wichita); Asst. to Choreographer /Dance Captain in West Side Story (Walnut Street Theatre); Assoc. Choreographer in Ragtime (Dallas Lyric Theatre); and Asst. to Choreographer/ Dance Captain in Ragtime (North Carolina Theatre).
Bluegrass Area Jazz Ambassadors (BAJA) is comprised of musicians from the community, both professional and amateur, and students from the University of Kentucky Jazz Studies Program. Performing since 2004, this 18-piece big band is under the direction of Artistic Director Miles Osland, and Musical Directors Raleigh Dailey and Mark Clodfelter.
Accompanied by the Bluegrass Area Jazz Ambassadors, Bundy and Franklin will sing holiday favorites and Broadway show-tunes. This event, sponsored by Blue Grass Airport, will also serve as an important fund-raiser, with all profits being offered to the Opera House Fund Capital Campaign, Kreative Kids, and the educational programs of BAJA.
Tickets are $15, $25 and $35 and will go on sale Friday, November 2 at the Lexington Center Ticket Office, all Ticketmaster outlets and www.ticketmaster.com.
Posted: October 23, 2007
Show Cancelled!
The Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats November 1st Shows at the Lexington Opera House Cancelled!
The Golden Dragon Acrobats, scheduled for a Thursday, November 1st, 7 p.m. public performance and two school shows at the Lexington Opera House have been cancelled due to denial of entry visas into the United States.
Opera House Programming Director Luanne Franklin was contacted late Monday afternoon with information that the troupe of Chinese acrobats scheduled to perform their United States tour was being delayed by the embassy in Bejing. While every effort is being made to secure approval, this delay will prohibit the scheduled Lexington tour date.
Ticket buyers can secure refunds at the point of purchase starting Thursday, October 25th. For further information, call the Lexington Center at (859) 233-4567.
Posted: October 17, 2007
ENHANCE YOUR CHINESE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE!
Kentucky Chinese American Professionals to Present Pre-Show Activities at November 1st Golden Dragon Acrobat Show
The Kentucky Association of Chinese American Professionals will present a showcase of pre-show activities designed to enhance the experience for audiences of Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats on Thursday, November 1.
The pre-show activities will take place from 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m on the third level of the Opera House, prior to the Golden Dragon Acrobat scheduled 7:00 p.m. performance.
Pre-show Activities will include dance, costumes, artwork, crafts and delicacies representing the Chinese culture.
The Kentucky Association of Chinese American Professionals (KYACAP) is a non-profit and non-political organization, committed to serving the communities in Kentucky by promoting the diversity and appreciation of Chinese culture and heritage.
According to KYACAP Coordinator Jianhua Su “We are very enthusiastic about supporting the Golden Dragon event and believe it will benefit and entertain children and adults of all ages in our community and enhance cross-cultural understanding and friendship.”
The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time-honored tradition that began more than 25 centuries ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.
Tickets for the public performance are $20, $25 and $30 and offer a discounted rate for children under the age of 12. Call the Lexington Center Ticket Office (859) 233-3535 or any Ticketmaster Outlet or www.ticketmaster.com Teachers interested in reserving seats for the school show must call Tom Habermann at The Lexington Center, (859) 233-4567 ext.3288.
Posted: August 30, 2007
The Theatrical Experience That Changed Broadway Forever
Variety LIVE and the Opera House Fund present the return engagement of the critically acclaimed Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway musical that inspired a major motion picture. RENT, written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif, is coming to the Lexington Opera House in October for two performances October 22 – 23, 2007. Tickets for all performances will go on sale September 10 at 10 a.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Lexington Center Ticket Office, (859) 233-3535 or any Ticketmaster Outlet. For group information, please contact (859) 233-4567 ext.3731.
Critics have called Rent “the best thing that has happened to the Broadway musical in a long time,” and have said that Rent “justifies every bit of attention that has been lavished on this phenomenal musical.” “It shimmers with hope for the future of the American musical.” The New York Times.
Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about being young and learning to survive, falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. Rent has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that really resonates. Whether it's your 1st time or your 100th time, the time is now for Rent!
The show received its world premiere off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop on February 13, 1996 to ecstatic reviews. It rapidly became a sold-out hit. The show transferred to Broadway on April 29, 1996 where it continues to play at The Nederlander Theatre. Rent is now the 7th longest running show in Broadway history.
The success of Rent is always tempered by the death of its creator, Jonathan Larson. Larson died unexpectedly of an aortic aneurysm on the morning of January 25, 1996, just hours after Rent’s final dress rehearsal off-Broadway, and ten days before his 36th birthday.
Rent features musical direction by Tim Weil, choreography by Marlies Yearby, set design by Paul Clay, costume design by Angela Wendt and lighting design by Blake Burba.
Tickets are available at the Lexington Center Ticket Office (859) 233-3535, www.ticketmaster.com or any Ticketmaster Outlet.
Additional show information can be found at www.siteforrent.com.
Posted: August 30, 2007
Direct From China to Broadway and Short Streets!
The Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats to Preform at the Lexington Opera House on November 1!
Variety Live and the Opera House Fund present The Golden Dragon Acrobats on Thursday, November 1st for one public performance at 7:00 p.m. at the Lexington Opera House. Two school shows will be presented on November 1st at 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
The Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time-honored tradition that began more than 25 centuries ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today.
World renowned impresario Danny Chang and choreographer Angela Chang combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty.
2008 will mark the highlight of the Golden Dragons' touring career with their 30th anniversary United States tour. The year will also see the company's home nation of China host the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing with the theme slogan "One World One Dream.” The reflection of that slogan epitomizes the essence and the universal values of what all of us who love the arts hope to foster -- Unity, Friendship, Progress, Harmony, Participation and Dream.
Tickets for the public performance are $25 and $35 and will go on sale Friday, September 7. Call the Lexington Center Ticket Office (859) 233-3535 or any Ticketmaster Outlet or www.ticketmaster.com Teachers interested in reserving seats for the reduced priced school shows must contact the Lexington Center's Performing Arts Dept., (859) 233-4567 ext.3289.
Golden Dragon Acrobats Event Page
Posted: June 29, 2007
Candace Lynn, Nashville Cound Country Singer
Live at Lexington's Historic Opera House, Friday, July 27
Lexington’s own Candace Lynn will hold her annual concert Friday, July 27th at 7:30 PM at the Lexington Opera House in downtown Lexington, Ky. Candace leaves the following day for Nashville to continue her pursuit of a recording career.
Joining the energetic 20 year old singer, who is known for adding kick to her country song interpretations, are long time friends and well known Lexington area musicians, Kenny Whalen and the Travelers.
This year marks Candace’s fifth annual performance of country music favorites of yesterday and today. She will also perform two fresh, new songs from her recent recording sessions with Nashville’s Artist Development Group, ( ADG ) who is preparing Candace for major record label consideration.
The two new songs, sweet ballad Yours and sassy party-tune Don’t Do Me Wrong were composed by successful Nashville songwriters Brian Nash, Michael Post and Fred Wilhelm.
In a show of respect and appreciation for America’s service men and women, Candace and band are providing complimentary admission for active military personnel with valid id.
Also as a special treat this year a reception immediately following the performance will be held at Caddy Shacks @ Family Bar & Grill. Candace will be greeting fans and signing autographs and photos. Everyone is invited.
Tickets are $12.00 and can be purchased on line at ticketmaster.com or by call Ticketmaster at (859) 281-6644.
Go to the Candace Lynn Event Page
Posted: June 1, 2007
Variety Live presents The Southern Fried Chicks Comedy Tour on June 22!
CMT Live Taping at the Lexington Opera House!
LEXINGTON, KY (May 21, 2007) Variety LIVE and 98.1 The Bull present The Southern Fried Chicks Comedy Tour starring Etta May and featuring Trish Suhr, Beth Donahue, and Sonya White for two hilarious appearances on Friday, June 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at the Lexington Opera House in Lexington, Kentucky.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of a television show taping by national cable television network, CMT. You’ll be in the live audience and can say, “I was there,” when the Chicks debut on CMT and with a stand up comedy special set to air on July 27. The special will also be available on DVD.
Tickets are available through the Lexington Center Ticket Office (859) 233-3535 or Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com
A diverse group of women – it’s like the Blue Collar Comedy Tour but with better hair. Come enjoy the hilarious take each woman has on life, love, and the pursuit of happiness.
Etta May has been described as “Minnie Pearl with a migraine.” May was born in Bald Knob, AR, and her family didn’t realize she was girl until she was wearing a training bra. Etta May is married to a truck driver, and they have four unruly kids. Etta’s comedy career began when she was calling BINGO one night and ball sucker got stuck. Forced to entertain a room of angry Catholics, Etta May realized she could make people laugh.
Since then she has won the prestigious American Comedy Awards Stand-up Comic of the Year. She has appeared on “Oprah,” “Arsenio Hall,” “Comic Strip Live,” and MTV. Etta May stole the show with her hilarious performance on “The Comedy Store’s 15th Anniversary Special,” broadcast in prime time on NBC. Etta May is an audience favorite on syndicated radio shows, The Bob and Tom Show and The Rick and Bubba Show. Look for Etta May as she is the headline comic on CMT’s new series “CMT Comedy Stage,” which is the second highest rated program in CMT history.
Etta May recently appeared on two more CMT shows, “KARAOKE-DOKEY” which aired on March 23 at 9:30 pm EST. Etta May lends her unique perspective as guest judge on the show where four contestants compete in a battle for the best impersonation of country great, Shania Twain. She was also the subject and first female comic ever on the biography show, “Comedy Club.” She joins the elite comedy company of Ron White, Larry the Cable Guy, and Jeff Foxworthy, as the only comedians featured on this CMT program. This show originally aired in early April. Etta May will take you on a redneck ride through the Deep South.
Trish Suhr began her stand-up career in Los Angeles after leaving the family funeral business in her hometown in Kentucky. Since her arrival, she has become a regular performer on the longest running, all-female comedy show, “Pretty Funny Women” and is also featured on the “The Southern Belles of Comedy DVD, starring Brett Butler. Television credits include “Girl's Behaving badly” and her regular gig as co-host of The Style Channel’s “Clean House.” Trish has also been to Afghanistan several times to perform for our troops. Trish is a borderline-yuppie, but don’t call her that to her face, or she just might knock you out!
Sonya White, originally from Virginia, combines her Southern charm with big city smarts. She has national television credits such as Fox Network’s “Nightshift”, Family Channel’s “Big Brother Jake”, and has done colorful national promos for that “Dancing With the Stars” alumn, Jerry Springer and his infamous show “The Jerry Springer Show”. She is also known for her dead-on impersonations and sound effects. Sonya is truly an urban lady as she is the featured comedienne for Verizon Wireless on their “Fun and Games” mobile accessory option. Nothing says “city girl” quite like that.
Beth Donahue claims to be the typical working woman of the twenty-first century, and her resume surely reflects that. According to Beth she has had as many jobs as she has been on diets, and has had more therapy than jobs and diets combined. Some of those jobs include appearances on “VH-1 Stand Up Spotlight with Rosie O’Donnell”, “Evening at the Improv”, and Showtime’s “Comedy Club Network”. Beth will give you a cynical but working to be better adjusted, look at life in the big city.
Posted: May 31, 2007
2007-08 SEASON OF BROADWAY LIVE ANNOUNCED!
THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO LOVE!
LEXINGTON, KY (May 31, 2007) – The new season of Broadway LIVE was announced last night during an annual gala event at the Lexington Opera House showcasing local talent in scenes from six of the nation’s top touring productions.
Each show in the 2007-2008 line up is scheduled to stage four performances at the Opera House. With an unprecedented rise in sponsorship support from the corporate community season ticket prices remain unchanged at $405 for orchestra seats, $375 for main floor and first balcony, and $285 for second balcony. Matinee tickets are $285 for orchestra, $255 for main floor and first balcony, and $195 for second balcony. This marks the fourth consecutive season without an increase in ticket prices.
New season tickets for the 2007-2008 Broadway Theater Series go on sale June 1, 2007, at 10 a.m. at the Lexington Center Ticket Office.
This “can’t miss” season debuts October 5 - 7, 2007 with the greatest courtroom drama of all time! Roundabout Theatre Company’s Broadway production of the searing courtroom drama TWELVE ANGRY MEN, reprises star Richard Thomas’ Broadway role on the Opera House stage. Its record-breaking run earned three Tony Award nominations and unanimous praise from the critics. Originally written as a teleplay that appeared in 1954 on CBS’ drama series, “Studio One,” TWELVE ANGRY MEN was one of the brightest jewels of television’s Golden Age.
ANNIE takes center stage from November 16 - 18, 2007. The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back on tour after a seven year break, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. One of Broadway's most memorable scores, Annie’s crowd- pleasing hits include "It's the Hard-Knock Life," "Easy Street," "N.Y.C." and the ever-optimistic "Tomorrow." ANNIE is a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family.
Just after the New Year moves in, we’re MOVIN’ OUT January 25 – 27, 2008 to bring 24 Billy Joel classics to electrifying new life. MOVIN’ OUT tells the story of five life-long friends over two turbulent decades. 5-time Grammy winner Billy Joel and legendary director/choreographer Twyla Tharp have joined forces to create the spectacular new musical Time Magazine declares “The #1 show of the year!” The New York Times calls MOVIN’ OUT “a shimmering portrait of an American generation. These tornado driven dancers and rock musicians propel the audience into delirious ovations.” It all adds up to one unforgettable Broadway musical!
On February 15 - 17, 2008, the Tony Award winning EVITA brings to life the dynamic, larger than life persona of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator, Juan Peron. Blessed with charisma, Eva Peron captivated a nation by championing the working class. This exuberant production creates a gripping theatrical experience and features Andrew Lloyd Webber’s compelling latin, pop and jazz influenced score. One of the most popular collaborations between Webber and Tim Rice, this legendary musical features the memorable song “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.”
GYPSY, the musical legend that packs a wallop will be presented on March 28 – 30, 2008. Theatre giants Arthur Laurents, Jule Styne, Stephen Sondheim and Jerome Robbins combined forces to trace the glitzy showbiz rise of two daughters, fueled by an overbearing, ambitious stage mother, Rose, as her larger-than-life dreams turned them into stars. Big, brassy, energetic, heart touching, funny and memorable, GYPSY reaffirms America's love of good old-fashioned entertainment with songs like "Let Me Entertain You," "Some People," "You Gotta Have A Gimmick," and "Everything's Coming Up Roses." Everyone agrees – Broadway musicals don’t get much better than GYPSY.
Offering themes as powerful and relevant today as in the mid-fifties when it opened on Broadway, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF ignites the stage in the Montana Repertory Theatre production of this timeless Tennessee Williams play. It’s the final show of the season, coming to the Opera House on April 25 - 27 2008. Before there were “Desperate Housewives,” there was Maggie the Cat; before there was Tony Soprano, there was Big Daddy; and before “Survivor,” there was CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF.
According to Luanne Franklin, Opera House Program Director, "We always endeavor to feature a broad spectrum of Broadway shows - so everyone can find something they'll love to attend! MOVIN' OUT is cutting edge theatre, rocking with the music of Billy Joel and artistry of Twyla Tharp. Families will love the opportunity to introduce Daddy Warbucks, Sandy and Little Orphan Annie to a new generation! Theatre buffs will love the chance to see the latest re-incarnations of GYPSY and the Andrew Lloyd Webber / Tim Rice collaboration of EVITA.
“And this season offers two searing dramas,” she continued. “CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF was the most requested show on last year's audience survey, and Broadway LIVE is proud to host Richard Thomas and the celebrity cast of TWELVE ANGRY MEN for a full week as they launch their equity tour for 2007-2008. You can't help but - love it!"
The Broadway LIVE series will present four performances of each title and all shows are scheduled to take place over the weekends. Season ticket holders also have the chance to buy additional tickets in advance of general public on sale in early October. The subscriber renewal deadline is Friday, July 13.
All subscribers who purchase season tickets before the final performance of the first show are eligible to be entered in a Grand Prize Drawing featuring a NYC Theatre Prize Package, including round trip airline tickets direct from Lexington, theatre tickets and one night hotel stay, courtesy of Blue Grass Airport. This year’s prize package features one of the hottest tickets on Broadway, LEGALLY BLONDE, starring Lexington’s own Laura Bell Bundy.
Now celebrating its 31st anniversary of Broadway LIVE, the Lexington Opera House, built in 1886, has been in service to the Lexington community for 121 years. A capital campaign was launched in September 2006 to raise necessary funds to renovate this historic theater so that it may continue to offer fine facilities for intimate live stage performances presented by both national touring companies and the local performing arts community.
According to Bill Owen, Lexington Center CEO and president, “We are already well on our way to meeting the matching grant challenge of $500,000. We have raised two-thirds of the funds and are well within reach of attaining our goal. We hope that our patrons will see evidence that the necessary renovations and upgrade work has begun by the time the new Broadway LIVE season begins in October. The high quality of programming for the new season underscores the value to the community of ensuring the tender loving care of the Lexington Opera House.”
