Broadways Longest Running Show Has Final Curtain Call
After 35 years and nearly 14,000 performances, Broadway’s longest-running show, “The Phantom of the Opera,” closed its curtain for the final time Sunday evening.
CBS News says the evening was celebrated with an invite-only red-carpet performance for former cast members, the creative team, and other “Phantom” family members. The show’s creator, Andrew Lloyd Webber, took the stage and dedicated the final show his son, Nick, who died last month after a protracted battle with gastric cancer and pneumonia. “The first production opened in London in 1986, and since then, the show has been seen by more than 145 million people in 183 cities and performed in 17 languages over 70,000 performances. On Broadway alone, it has grossed more than $1.3 billion.”
These Are The Broadway Shows Coming To Charlotte 2022-2023
Events are back, mask mandates are no more, and it’s time to get out there and live life. One of the biggest things we missed the last couple of years was live events including theater. Broadway and the likes were hit hard but the closing of shows across the world. But they are back and better than ever! And lucky for us there are a bunch of fantastic Broadway shows coming to Charlotte for the 2022-2023 season.
My mom and I actually purchased tickets for the season going on now. So far we have seen Wicked, Rent, and Pretty Woman so far. But they recently announced the new lineup of shows and it features some fantastic ones. There are a couple of series the Broadway Lights and Equitable Bravo Series that can be purchased, you may also swap for other shows, or purchase additional ones. Or of course, tickets can be purchased individually as well for any of the shows. Series members just get the first opportunity to purchase the best seats.
Something for everyone
There is something for everyone on this list whether you want a girl’s night out, date night, or to take your children. In fact, the first Broadway show I ever saw, Annie is making a return to the Queen City. I highly recommend taking your kids to this. I think I was about 6 when I saw it. Though you have been warned I didn’t stop singing the music or thinking I would be Annie on Broadway for years. There is also a Disney classic on the list, some of the most talked-about shows like Dear Evan Hanson, lots of shows about your favorite musical artists, and classics such as my personal favorite Chicago.
Read on to see the full list of the Broadway shows coming to Charlotte as well as the dates and locations. Also included on this list are descriptions from the Blumenthal Performing Arts website and clips from the show itself. Let us know what show you’re most excited to see!
Broadway Lights Series
The Broadway Lights series includes 8 of the premiere shows coming to Charlotte.
Jagged Little Pill The Musical
Dates: NOV 29 – DEC 4, 2022
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show:Joy, love, heartache, strength, wisdom, catharsis, LIFE—everything we’ve been waiting to see in a Broadway show— is here in the exhilarating, fearless new musical based on Alanis Morissette’s world-changing music.
Directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Waitress, Pippin, upcoming 1776) with a Tony-winning book by Diablo Cody (Juno) and Grammy-winning score, this electrifying production about a perfectly imperfect American family “vaults the audience to its collective feet” (The Guardian). “Redemptive, rousing and real, JAGGED LITTLE PILL stands alongside the original musicals that have sustained the best hopes of Broadway.” (The New York Times)
You live, you learn, you remember what it’s like to feel truly human… at JAGGED LITTLE PILL.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
Dates: DEC 27, 2022 – JAN 1, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show:THERE IS ONLY ONE.
HER VOICE IS UNDENIABLE. HER FIRE IS UNSTOPPABLE. HER TRIUMPH IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER.
An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA—The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll.
One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history.
A Soldier's Play
Dates: JAN 10 – 22, 2023
Location: Knight Theater at Levine Center for the ArtsAbout the show:A Soldier’s Play, the 1982 Pulitzer Prize-winning thriller by Charles Fuller, has rocketed back into the spotlight, thanks to this 2020 Tony Award®-winning Best Revival from Roundabout Theatre Company. “This is a play that deserves to be staged regularly all over America—though it’s hard to imagine that it will ever be done better than this. It keeps you guessing all the way to the final curtain” (The Wall Street Journal).In 1944, on a Louisiana Army base, two shots ring out. A Black sergeant is murdered. And a series of interrogations triggers a gripping barrage of questions about sacrifice, service, and identity in America. Broadway’s Norm Lewis leads a powerhouse cast in the show Variety calls “a knock-your-socks-off-drama,” directed by Tony winner Kenny Leon.
Beetlejuice: The Musical, The Musical, The Musical
Dates: MAR 28 – APR 2, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
About the show:
He earned his stripes on Broadway… now the ghost-with-the-most is coming to Charlotte.
It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
Dolly Parton's 9 to 5 The Musical
Dates: APR 18 – 23, 2023
Location: Ovens AuditoriumAbout the show:TUMBLE OUTTA’ BED AND STUMBLE TO DOLLY PARTON’S RIP-ROARING MUSICAL COMEDY!The smash-hit musical of 9 TO 5 features a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick and an Oscar, Grammy and Tony nominated score by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton.
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL tells the story of three women pushed to the boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the ladies manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the iconic 80’s film and brought to you by Dolly herself, this hilarious new production is about teaming up, standing up and taking care of business!
1776 The Musical
Dates: JUNE 6 – 11, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show: Fed up with living under the tyranny of British rule, John Adams attempts to persuade his fellow members of the Continental Congress to vote in favor of American independence and sign the Declaration in this revival of the Tony Award-winning musical.Six The Musical
Dates: JULY 4 – 16, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show:Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived.From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic’s Pick) and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for! The Broadway season got supercharged!”
MJ The Musical
Dates: SEP 27 – OCT 8, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show:
He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry is finally coming to Charlotte in a brand-new musical. Centered around the making of his 1992 Dangerous World Tour, and created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Jackson into legendary status. Turn it up— MJ is headed on tour!
Equitable Bravo Series
The Equitable Bravo Series includes 5 favorite shows!
Dear Evan Hanson
Dates: OCT 25 – 30, 2022
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show:WINNER OF SIX 2017 TONY® AWARDS INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL
AND THE 2018 GRAMMY® AWARD FOR BEST MUSICAL THEATER ALBUMA letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. DEAR EVAN HANSEN is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it.
DEAR EVAN HANSEN has struck a remarkable chord with audiences and critics everywhere, including The Washington Post who says DEAR EVAN HANSEN is “Theatrical magic. One of the most remarkable shows in musical theatre history.” The New York Times calls it “a breathtaking knockout of a musical.” And NBC Nightly News declares the musical “an anthem resonating on Broadway and beyond.”
DEAR EVAN HANSEN features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy®, Tony® and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).
Les Miserables
Dates: JAN 31 – FEB 5, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show: Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph). Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more.Come From Away
Dates: JAN 31 – FEB 5, 2023
About the show:Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph). Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more.The Book Of Morman
Dates: AUG 8 – 13, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show:The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.” And Entertainment Weekly says, “Grade A: the funniest musical of all time.” Jimmy Fallon of The Tonight Show calls it “Genius. Brilliant. Phenomenal.” It’s THE BOOK OF MORMON, the nine-time Tony Award® winning Best Musical.This outrageous musical comedy follows the adventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. With standing room only productions in London, on Broadway, and across North America, THE BOOK OF MORMON has truly become an international sensation. Contains explicit language.
For more information, visit TheBookOfMormonTour.com.
Chicago
Dates: SEP 12 – 17, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show:After 25 years, CHICAGO is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder CHICAGO has been honored with 6 Tony Awards®, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary — you’ve got to come see why the name on everyone’s lips is still…CHICAGO.Broadway Extras
If you purchase either of the series packages these can be swapped out or purchased as an add on. Or they can be purchased individually as well.
Riverdance
Dates: FEB 14 – 19, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show:Riverdance, as you’ve never seen it before! A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years on, composer Bill Whelan has rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Doherty and director John McColgan have completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage and costume designs. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary power and grace of its music and dance–beloved by fans of all ages. Fall in love with the magic of Riverdance all over again. For over 25 years, nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of Riverdance.Riverdance began its journey as the interval act in the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest, produced for television by Moya Doherty. This electrifying and innovative seven-minute dance piece was then developed into a full-length stage show by Producer Moya Doherty, Composer Bill Whelan and Director John McColgan. With its fusion of Irish and International music and dance, the show broke all box office records during its world première run in Dublin in early 1995. When the show transferred to London the reaction was unprecedented. There followed a hugely successful tour starting in New York in March 1996, where 8 sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall heralded the start of two decades of touring by Riverdance companies throughout North America. Since its inception Riverdance has packed theatres throughout North America, Oceania, Asia, Europe, South Africa and South America.
Disney's Aladdin
Dates: APR 5 – 9, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show:Discover a whole new world at Disney’s ALADDIN, the hit Broadway musical.From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of ALADDIN, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It’s an extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite.
See why audiences and critics agree, ALADDIN is “Exactly What You Wish For!” (NBC-TV).
Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times Of The Temptations
Dates: JULY 25 – 30, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show:Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations is the electrifying, new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With their signature dance moves and silky-smooth harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one.
Nominated for 12 Tony Awards, Ain’t Too Proud tells the thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal, as the group’s personal and political conflicts threatened to tear them apart during a decade of civil unrest in America.
The unforgettable story of this legendary quintet is set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, including “My Girl,” “Just My Imagination,” “Get Ready,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and so many more.
Written by three-time Obie Award winner Dominique Morisseau, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Des McAnuff (Jersey Boys) and featuring the Tony-winning choreography of Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, On Your Feet!), Ain’t Too Proud launches their first national tour to over 50 cities across America.
Annie
Dates: MAY 30 – JUNE 4, 2023
Location: Belk Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts CenterAbout the show: Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. Little Orphan Annie has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner, and now the best-loved musical of all time is set to return in a new production – just as you remember it and just when we need it most.
Annie, directed by Jenn Thompson, features the iconic book and score, written by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. This celebration of family, optimism and the American spirit remains the ultimate cure for all the hard knocks life throws your way.
