2017 Broadway Season Offers Choice & Variety

Fans of Starlight Theatre and Broadway can see as many as nine or as few as five hit Broadway musicals at Starlight next summer.

As in many aspects of modern life, customization has been built into Starlight’s 2017 Broadway season. To accommodate everyone from the busy couple who can fit only five Starlight nights onto their calendar to the Broadway aficionado who wants to see a musical as often as humanly possible, Starlight’s build-your-own approach to 2017 season packages is just the ticket!

The renewal period is now under way for existing season ticket holders. Renewing patrons can create a package that includes five, six or seven of next season’s weeklong shows – plus free parking, the opportunity to add or swap into weekend special engagements and more subscriber-only benefits. Click here to renew your season tickets now.

Also, this Wednesday, Oct. 5, guests who want to purchase new season tickets for 2017 will be able to do so. Advance orders for season tickets will be available, and buyers will be notified of their seating location by early spring. Watch for an email on Wednesday with details or check our home page at www.kcstarlight.com.

The complete 2017 lineup was first announced to guests attending Starlight’s annual gala and Broadway brunch in late September. The season’s nine shows are:

Disney’s The Little Mermaid
June 3-11 (8 performances – no Monday)

Based upon Hans Christian Andersen’s timeless tale of love, this beloved family musical features eye-popping visuals and an award-winning score. Twenty-seven years after the release of Disney’s animated film, the classic love story of mermaid Princess Ariel and human Prince Eric continues to capture hearts. Audiences will sing along to familiar tunes like “Part of Your World,” “Kiss the Girl” and the Academy Award-winning “Under the Sea.”

Jersey Boys
June 27-July 2 (6 performances)

This 2006 Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award®-winning Best Musical tells the story of Rock and Roll Hall of Famers’ The Four Seasons, specifically how four blue-collar kids – Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi – became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. Jersey Boys features such crowd favorites as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “Oh What a Night,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and many more.

An American in Paris
July 11-16 (6 performances)

First time in Kansas City!

This new four-time Tony Award®-winning musical is about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. The magic and romance of Paris fit in perfect harmony with the unforgettable score by George and Ira Gershwin.

Something Rotten!
July 25-30 (6 performances)

First time in Kansas City!

Set in 1595, this new musical captured 10 Tony Award nominations in 2015. It tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical!

The Bodyguard
August 8-13 (6 performances)

First time in Kansas City!

Based on the hit film, the award-winning musical The Bodyguard stars Grammy® Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox. In this romantic thriller, former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker. Each expects to be in charge; what they don’t expect is to fall in love.

Motown The Musical
August 22-27 (6 performances)

This is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to heavyweight music mogul, launching the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more along the way. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat.

Grease
September 9-14 (6 performances)

Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, and Danny Zuko, the school’s coolest greaser, have a secret summertime romance – but when they get back to school, everything is different. Sandy attempts to navigate the tricky Rydell High School social waters and catch Danny’s attention again, but Danny is mostly concerned with maintaining his tough-guy reputation.

Weekend Specials

MAMMA MIA! The Farewell Tour
June 23-25 (3 performances)

The ultimate feel-good show has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill. This energetic musical combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen,” “S.O.S.,” “Super Trouper,” “Take a Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All,” with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship.

Kinky Boots
Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 (3 performances)

Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit features songs by Grammy® and Tony-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper. Inspired by true events, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentleman’s shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. Charlie Price is struggling to continue the family shoe business. Help arrives in the unlikely form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos.

“The 2017 season at Starlight will be a Broadway blockbuster,” said Starlight president and CEO Rich Baker. “I hope our returning patrons appreciate the chance to tailor their Starlight season package to meet their own schedules and budgets. We can’t wait for our loyal season subscribers to return in 2017, and we also look forward to welcoming many new Kansas Citians as Starlight season ticket holders.”

NOTE: Single tickets to Starlight’s 2017 Broadway shows will go on sale this spring!