On Theater: From the Grinch to the Phantom
A lineup divided almost evenly between old favorites and newcomers constitutes the 2014-15 schedule for the Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
A golden oldie kicks things off Nov. 11 when “Pippin” arrives for a two-week engagement. The Broadway version is making its first appearance on the Great White Way since it opened 40 years ago. It’s a semi-historical musical created by Stephen Schwartz (“Godspell,” “Wicked”) centering on a young prince seeking his “little corner of the sky.” The show runs through Nov. 23.
Dr. Seuss’ popular holiday concoction “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is the center’s holiday fare, in a limited engagement from Dec. 10 to 14. It’s a good bet that the kids will outnumber the adults in the audience for this one.
Next up is a collaboration between Tony winners Cyndi Lauper (score) and Harvey Fierstein (book), “Kinky Boots,” about a shoe factory owner who finds the brass ring thanks to a brassy entertainer. The show opens Dec. 30 and plays through Jan. 11.
A show inspired by a popular movie, “Dirty Dancing” is next on the schedule. Featuring the hit single “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” the story centers on two young dancers from two different worlds who combine their talents. It’ll have a two-week run from Feb. 3 to 15.
It’s back to the Roaring Twenties for a new musical comedy, “Nice Work, If You Can Get It,” which will be sandwiched into the March 17 to 22 slot. The romance between a wealthy playboy and a bubbly bootlegger is the centerpiece of this concoction.
Another brief engagement (April 14 to 19) will be taken by one of the golden oldies, “Guys and Dolls,” the Damon Runyon-Frank Loesser tale focusing on the Manhattan of the late 1940s. Most audiences will be familiar with the hit songs it produced, not to mention the Marlon Brando-Frank Sinatra movie version.
New generations of kids are constantly arriving, and for each there’s a new “Annie.” The Depression-era comic strip urchin makes her umpteenth visit to the center from May 13 to 24, promising a brighter “Tomorrow.”
Many stellar musical careers were born in Detroit, and “Motown the Musical” will celebrate such biggies as Michael Jackson, Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson. Centering on Motown founder Berry Gordy, the show will run from June 16 to 28.
“The Phantom of the Opera” is no stranger to the center, and it’ll be back from Aug. 5 to 16, 2015. Featuring a new array of special effects, this Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece is a new production from producer Cameron Mackintosh, arriving as part of a North American tour.
Season tickets are available for both the Broadway Series and the Curtain Call Series (“Grinch,” “Nice Work” and “Dolls”). Additional information may be obtained by calling the Segerstrom Center at (714) 556-2787.
TOM TITUS reviews local theater for the Daily Pilot.
