Playhouse Square Season Announcement

Bainbridge Branch Manager Eric put together this awesome post inspired by the Playhouse Square’s 2020/2021 season, along with suggested digital materials to accompany each show:

Playhouse Square has just announced their 2020/ 2021 season.

Whether you are considering a single show or a season ticket package, the library’s online offerings can help you make a decision on what might be the right shows for you. Below I have compiled the schedule of the season’s offerings and resources to help you with your decision. And don’t forget the library partners with Playhouse Square to offer special pricing using code geaugalibrary. Follow this link to see which tickets are available for discount.

 

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird

November 3-22, 2020

Keybank Broadway Series

Synopsis:

“Inspired by Lee’s own childhood in Alabama, To Kill a Mockingbird features one of literature’s towering symbols of integrity and righteousness in the character of Atticus Finch, based on Lee’s own father. The character of Scout, based on Lee herself, has come to define youthful innocence—and its inevitable loss—for generation after generation of readers around the world.” (2020, Broadway.com)

Explore Overdrive/Libby and Hoopla to listen to the audiobook and e-book of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee that this play is based on.

 

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical

December 8-13, 2020

Synopsis:

“Discover the joy of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Home, Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic.” (2020, Broadway.com)

Explore Overdrive/ Libby to read and/ or listen to How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

 

Pretty Woman: The Musical

January 5-23, 2021

Keybank Broadway Series

Synopsis:

“Vivian and Edward are unlikely soulmates who overcome all odds to find each other… and themselves. Experience the moments you love from the movie—and get to know these iconic characters in a whole new way—in this dazzlingly theatrical take on a love story for the ages. Brought to life by a powerhouse creative team representing the best of music, Hollywood and Broadway, Pretty Woman: The Musical is guaranteed to lift your spirits and light up your heart.” (2020, Broadway.com)

Explore Hoopla to listen to the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Pretty Woman. You can also check out the Motion Picture Soundtrack of Pretty Woman.

 

The Cher Show: A New Musical

February 2-21, 2021

Keybank Broadway Series

“The Cher Show is based on the life of Cherilyn Sarkisian La Piere Bono Allman or as her friends call her, Cher! The kid on a tricycle, vowing to be famous. The teenage phenom who crashes by twenty. The glam TV star who quits at the top. The would-be actress with an Oscar. The rock goddess with a hundred million records sold. The legend who’s done it all, still scared to walk on stage. The wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. The woman, looking for love. The ultimate survivor, chasing her dream. They’re all here, dressed to kill, singing their asses off, telling it like it is. And they’re all the star of The Cher Show.” (2020, Broadway.com)

Explore Hoopla to listen to the Original Broadway Cast Recording of The Cher Show. Also check out a great collection of Cher’s albums by searching ”Cher”.

Explore Overdrive/ Libby to read more about Cherilyn Sarkisian La Piere Bono Allman. Recommended: Cher: Strong Enough by Josiah Howard

 

The Prom

March 9-28, 2021

Keybank Broadway Series

Synopsis:

“Everyone’s invited to the joyous Broadway hit that New York Magazine calls “smart and big-hearted” and The New York Times declares a Critic’s Pick! Billboard cheers, “The Prom is Hairspray meets Dear Evan Hansen!” Variety raves, “It’s so full of happiness that you think your heart is about to burst.” And The Hollywood Reporter cheers, “It’s comic gold!”
You belong at The Prom!” (2020, Broadway.com)

Explore Overdrive/ Libby to read a novelization based on the hit Broadway show. Recommended: The Prom by Saundra Mitchell, Bob Martin, Chad Beguelin, and Matthew Sklar.

 

 Ain’t too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations

April 6-25, 2021

Keybank Broadway Series

Synopsis:

“Ain’t Too Proud is the electrifying new 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 unmistakable harmonies, they rose to the top of the charts creating an amazing 42 Top Ten Hits with 14 reaching number one.

The rest is history — how they met, the groundbreaking heights they hit, and how personal and political conflicts threatened to tear the group apart as the United States fell into civil unrest. This thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal 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.” (2020, Broadway.com)

Explore Hoopla to listen to the Original Cast Recording of Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations. Check out several albums of The Temptations by searching ”The Temptations”

Explore Overdrive/ Libby to read more about the life and times of The Temptations. Recommended: Ain’t Too Proud to Beg by Mark Ribowski

 

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

May 5- June 6, 2021

Keybank Broadway Series

Synopsis:

“Enter a world of splendor and romance, of eye-popping excess, of glitz, grandeur, and glory! A world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Pop the champagne and prepare for the spectacular… Welcome to Moulin Rouge! The Musical.
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and—above all—LOVE, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical; it is a state of mind.
How wonderful life is…at the Moulin Rouge.” (2020, Broadway.com)

Explore Hoopla to Listen to the 2007 Motion Picture Soundtrack from Moulin Rouge.

 

Hadestown

July 6-July 25, 2021

Keybank Broadway Series

Synopsis:

“Welcome to Hadestown, where a song can change your fate. This acclaimed new musical by celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) is a love story for today… and always.
Hadestown intertwines two mythic tales—that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone—as it invites you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith and fear against love. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers, and singers, Hadestown is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs you and never lets go.” (2020, Broadway.com)

Explore Hoopla to listen to the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Hadestown.

 

Come From Away

August 10-15, 2021

Synopsis:

“Come From Away is based on the true story of when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland played host to the world. What started as an average day in a small town turned in to an international sleep-over when 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from across the globe, were diverted to Gander’s airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar, and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family.” (2020, Broadway.com)

Explore Overdrive/ Libby to listen to or read The Day the World Came to Town by Jim Defede. Also recommended on Overdrive/ Libby Come From Away Vocal and Piano Selections, Come From Away: Welcome to the Rock An Inside Look In the Hit Musical (audiobook), and Channel of Peace: Stranded in Gander on 9/11 by Kevin Teurff

The audiobooks for The Day the World Came to Town and Channel of Peace are also available on Hoopla. Listen to the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Come From Away.

 

Dear Evan Hansen

September 14-19, 2021

Synopsis:

“A 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.
Both deeply personal and profoundly contemporary, Dear Evan Hansen is the new American musical about life and the way we live it.” (2020, Broadway.com)

Explore Overdrive/ Libby to read or listen to the novel Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich. Also recommended: Dear Evan Hansen by Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul, Dear Evan Hansen: Through the Window by Steven Levenson

Explore Hoopla to listen to the Original Broadway Cast Recording of Dear Evan Hansen. Also, available Dear Evan Hansen by Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul, or listen to Piano Dreamers Perform the Songs of Dear Evan Hansen.