The return of “Hamilton” would be noteworthy enough, but the 2019-2020 Broadway in Atlanta season also boasts four debuts and a triumphant revival among its selections.
While specific “Hamilton” dates aren’t being revealed yet, the Lin-Manuel phenomenon, which sold out its three-week run in Atlanta in May 2018, will open on March 31, 2020.
The shows that will make their inaugural Atlanta appearance are Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (Sept. 24-29, 2019); “The Band’s Visit” (Jan. 21-26, 2020); “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” (June 23-28, 2020); and “Anastasia” (July 28-Aug. 2, 2020). As well, the lauded revival of “Hello, Dolly!” will land Feb. 11-16, 2020.
“We’re excited we’re bringing so many first-runs from New York to Atlanta, along with the return of ‘Hamilton’,” said Broadway in Atlanta vice president Russ Belin. “That’s obviously something to celebrate.”
The classic “Miss Saigon” (March 17-22, 2020) will round out the season, while “Wicked’ (Oct. 23-Nov. 17, 2019) and Blue Man Group (June 2-7, 2020) are available as season options.
All shows will take place at the Fox Theatre.
“Wicked,” which embarked on its first national tour in 2005, will play Atlanta for four weeks, one longer than its most recent run here in 2015. The last show to earn a four-week engagement as part of the Broadway series? “Wicked,” in 2011.
Although the “Wizard of Oz”-adjacent musical and “Hamilton” typically snag the spotlight, Belin considers that a good thing.
“All of the shows we’re bringing are so strong and ‘Hamilton’ is so powerful, it exposes people to other shows and they see there’s more out there than ‘Hamilton’ and ‘Wicked’,” he said.
Broadway in Atlanta subscription renewals will begin at 10 a.m. Feb. 26. New subscriptions will be available beginning in late April, with prices starting at $319 for the seven season shows. Tickets to individual shows typically go on sale to the general public about two or three months prior to opening night; however, subscribers will also have the opportunity to purchase additional tickets before they go on sale to the general public. Visit www.broadwayinatlanta.com/season for more information.
Here is a quick look at the 2019-2020 season:
Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (Sept. 24-29, 2019): The musical, based on Dahl's book of the same name, premiered in London in 2013. The score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman ("Hairspray," "Mary Poppins Returns") also includes songs from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," such as "The Candy Man" and "Pure Imagination."
"Wicked' (Oct. 23-Nov. 17, 2019 – season option): In case you're one of the few who doesn't know the story of Elphaba and Galinda/Glinda, well, we would say read the book by Gregory Maguire, but it's a hefty one. Just know that it has a pure heart and sweet lessons of friendship.
"The Band's Visit" (Jan. 21-26, 2020): One of the unexpected hits of the 2018 Tony Awards, the musical took home 10, including best musical. The plot: After a mix-up at the border, an Egyptian police band is sent to a remote village in the middle of the Israeli desert. They're taken in by locals and experience the many ways in which music and laughter can connect us.
"Hello, Dolly!" (Feb. 11-16, 2020): With Bette Midler claiming the title role, the musical was an unabashed smash on Broadway (it also won four Tonys). Betty Buckley is currently enchanting in the Dolly role on tour, but casting for 2020 hasn't been solidified yet for this sumptuous musical feast.
"Miss Saigon" (March 17-22, 2020): The creators of "Les Miserables" have crafted a new production of the enduring take of a young Vietnamese woman who meets an American G.I. just before the fall of Saigon. A cast of 42 will perform songs including "Last Night of the World" and "The Movie in My Mind."
"Hamilton" (performances begin March 31, 2020): Really? We're pretty sure you know what it's about.
Blue Man Group (June 2-7, 2020 - season option): The trio of bald blue dudes has been crafting a deft mixture of humor, music and visual gags since 1991 in New York. It's tough to describe what they do, other than entertain with a welcome dose of daffiness.
"Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" (June 23-28, 2020): If ever a pop star deserved her own jukebox musical, it's the girl from Boston who evolved into a disco-pop superstar. A trio of Donnas present timeless club jams including "Last Dance," "Hot Stuff" and "Bad Girls" while sharing her storied history.
"Anastasia" (July 28-Aug. 2, 2020): Based on the 1997 film of the same name, the show swings from the twilight of the Russian empire to 1920s-era Paris as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past.
