It might be, without exaggeration, the most anticipated theatrical tour of the past several decades.
And yes, Atlanta, it is time to mark your calendars, reschedule any anticipated travel and book a babysitter now, because “Hamilton” will play the Fox Theatre May 22-June 10, 2018.
The show — phenomenon, really — manages to make as dry a subject as Secretary of the Treasury and Founding Father Alexander Hamilton engaging, thanks to the brilliant mind of creator Lin-Manuel Miranda and his penchant for crafting dexterous, meaningful raps and musical hooks that seem to be an increasingly fleeting thought on Broadway.
“Hamilton” might one day challenge “The Phantom of the Opera” for the title of longest-running show on Broadway, but the cultural juggernaut, which won 11 Tony Awards, is already expanding its scope.
The open-ended Chicago run launched in October. In March, the national tour begins with a five-month residency in San Francisco, followed by four months in Los Angeles.
The cast for the first U.S. tour, which will also play Houston, Seattle, Las Vegas, Washington, D.C., San Diego, Boston and a handful of other cities, is expected to change by the time the show reaches Atlanta.
But the initial run will feature Atlanta native Amber Inman in the dual roles — a common occurrence in the show — of Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds.
Inman, who attended North Springs High School (now North Springs Charter School of Arts and Sciences), recently called from a storage closet during “Hamilton” tour rehearsals in New York (hey, it’s tough to find a quiet space in the city sometimes) to talk about the show.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
“It’s new and it’s fresh and it’s inclusive. You see all different colors and types on stage telling a universal story,” she said. “I think that’s what we need now. It tells a story with incredibly talented people, amazing music and incredible book. I think people are excited to be around something like that.”
Inman landed the role(s) in December; she initially auditioned in August after the musical “Shuffle Along,” in which she carried three roles, closed on Broadway.
She did meet Miranda while starring in the show. “He came backstage to take pictures,” Inman said. “He’s got his hand in everything.”
While “Hamilton” is the cherry on top, the season comprises a slew of other notable shows, including “Something Rotten!,” “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder,” “Love Never Dies,” “The Color Purple,” “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King and I” and the 20th anniversary tour of “Rent.”
All shows will take place at the Fox Theatre.
Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta's 2017-2018 subscription packages will go on sale at 10 a.m. today, with prices starting at $249 for all seven shows (prices vary depending upon showtime, day of the week and seating location). New subscriptions can be ordered via www.broadwayinatlanta.com or by calling 1-800-278-4447.
Subscribers will also have the opportunity to purchase tickets for season option shows “The Book of Mormon” and “Disney’s The Lion King” as part of their renewal before March 17.
Tickets to individual shows in the lineup are typically not available to the general public until eight to 12 weeks prior to opening night. Subscribers may purchase additional tickets before they go on sale to the public.
Here is the full Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta 2017-2018 lineup:
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
"Rodgers & Hammerstein's The King and I" — Sept. 26-Oct. 1: The Lincoln Center Theater production features the beloved score including "Getting to Know You" and "Something Wonderful." The 2015 Broadway revival snagged a Tony Award for best musical revival.
"The Color Purple" — Oct. 24-29: The story of a young woman's journey to love in the American South earned the 2016 Tony Award for best musical revival and is directed by Tony winner John Doyle.
"Love Never Dies: The Phantom Returns" — Nov. 28-Dec. 3: The sequel to "Phantom of the Opera," this Andrew Lloyd Webber production has already played throughout Australia and New Zealand. Like its famous predecessor, it is stuffed with love, passion and drama. "Phantom," by the way, opens Feb. 22 at the Fox.
"Disney's The Lion King" — Jan. 10-28, 2018 (season option): Last seen in Atlanta in April 2014, the six-time Tony winner featuring the brilliantly unconventional direction of Julie Taymor and memorable songs from Elton John and Tim Rice returns for another round in "The Circle of Life."
"Rent — 20th Anniversary Tour" — Feb. 20-25, 2018: It's hard to believe it's been two decades since Idina Menzel, Anthony Rapp, Taye Diggs and a half-dozen other familiar names made this underground reimagining of Puccini's "La Boheme" into a cultural touchstone. No, those original stars aren't part of the anniversary tour, but those indelible songs will be heard.
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
Credit: Melissa Ruggieri
"A Gentleman's Guide to Love & Murder" — March 13-18, 2018: This 2014 Tony winner for best musical tells the story of Monty Navarro, an heir to a family fortune who wants to eliminate the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way.
"Something Rotten!" — April 17-22, 2018: Talk about a theatrical pedigree. This musical comedy is born from the director of "Aladdin" and co-director of "The Book of Mormon," as well as the producer of "Rent," "Avenue Q" and "In the Heights." It's an ode to musicals, as two brothers try to escape the shadow of William Shakespeare and write the world's first musical.
"Hamilton" — May 22-June 10, 2018: Need we say more?
"The Book of Mormon" — July 17-22, 2018 (season option): One of the most popular touring productions will make its third visit to Atlanta in 2018. It's still cheeky and ribald with a sweet, giant heart. But just a warning — it does contain explicit language.
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