The University of Illinois Springfield Performing Arts Center announced its 2024-2025 Broadway Series. This series features four national touring productions, with all four making their Springfield debuts.
Hadestown – Wednesday, October 23, 2024, 7:30 PM
Dear Evan Hansen – Monday, December 2, 2024, 7:30 PM
Pretty Woman: The Musical – Friday, February 21, 2025, 7:30 PM
The Cher Show – Thursday, April 17, 2025, 7:30 PM
Hadestown is a Tony Award-winning musical by Anaïs Mitchell that intertwines the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice with that of Hades and Persephone. The show is set in a stylized, post-apocalyptic version of the underworld and explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the struggle for freedom. With a rich, folk-infused score, Hadestown transports audiences to a world where hell is a factory and heaven is a mythic dream.
Dear Evan Hansen is a contemporary musical with a book by Steven Levenson and music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. It tells the story of a socially anxious high school student, Evan Hansen, who becomes unintentionally embroiled in a lie that brings him closer to his peers but ultimately spirals out of control. The show addresses issues such as mental health, social media, and the search for belonging, featuring powerful songs like "Waving Through a Window" and "You Will Be Found."
Based on the beloved 1990 romantic comedy film, Pretty Woman: The Musical features a book by Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton, with music and lyrics by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. The story follows Vivian Ward, a down-on-her-luck Hollywood prostitute, and Edward Lewis, a wealthy businessman, as they navigate their unlikely romance. The musical retains the charm and humor of the original film while adding a new dimension through its catchy, rock-infused score.
The Cher Show is a musical that chronicles the life and career of the iconic singer and actress Cher. Featuring Cher's greatest hits, the musical is structured around three different actresses portraying Cher at various stages of her life. The show highlights her journey from a young performer to a pop culture icon, emphasizing her resilience, individuality, and enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
"Thanks to the high community demand and the tremendous support we've received, we are excited to offer this outstanding four-show Broadway season. Last year, we had multiple sold-out Broadway shows, highlighting our community's commitment to the sustained vitality of the arts. We deeply appreciate our Broadway subscribers for their invaluable support, which ensures that exceptional performances continue to appear in Springfield. We invite others to become Broadway subscribers this year, helping our community experience the joy, inspiration, and transformative power of live theater", said Bryan Rives, Director of UIS PAC.
