Proctors and Capital Repertory Theatre announce 2018-2019 subscription series

SCHENECTADY—It’s here! Monday evening, in a sweeping singalong presentation, Proctors and Capital Repertory Theatre announced the 2018–2019 Key Private Bank Broadway Series at Proctors and the 2018–2019 Season at Capital Repertory Theatre.

Dates for “Hamilton,” which will play its premiere Capital Region engagement and anchor the 2018–2019 season—and is also featured in both subscription packages—were revealed, along with an impressive calendar of touring Broadway and regional theatre offerings.

Hosted by NEWS 10 Albany/NEWS10 ABC/FOX 23 anchors John Gray and Lydia Kulbida, the annual Bash found Proctors CEO Philip Morris, Proctors Chief of Staff Jean Leonard and theREP’s Producing Artistic Director Maggie Mancinelli-Cahill singing Broadway favorites while literally driving Morris’ car onstage to the delight of a packed house of invited subscribers, members, group leaders, sponsors and supporters.

More impressive is the slate itself. In addition to presenting two full weeks of Hamilton in August 2019, Proctors will again tech a new touring show for the road, with “Anastasia” taking over the venue for weeks in advance as it prepares to launch, in early October, with performance dates in Schenectady.

The 2018–2019 Key Private Bank Broadway Series at Proctors continues with “A Bronx Tale,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s newest hit, “School of Rock,” “Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Waitress” and the previously announced “Hamilton.”

 “We are so thrilled to be bringing Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory to Proctors next year,” said Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures Executive Vice President Mark Kaufman. “Proctors hosts one of the best season announcement events in the business and we are looking forward to giving our friends in Schenectady a taste of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

 Subscribers to both series will also have exclusive priority access to tickets for additional titles, “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical,” and, back by popular demand, “The Book of Mormon,” which returns to Proctors for a limited one-week run in May.

 “Almost all of the titles in our Key Private Bank Broadway Series, and our exclusives, too, are still hot tickets on Broadway right now,” said Morris, “We’ve never had this happen before and it shows that Proctors continues to be a major player in touring Broadway. It’s here! right in Schenectady.”

And one lucky entrant, and a guest, will win a three day/two night trip to Chicago, in May 2018, to attend a performance of “Hamilton” at the CIBC Theatre as part of the 2018 Proctors Flyaway Sweepstakes presented by KeyBank. For contest rules and information, visit www.proctors.org/keyflyaway

“KeyBank is proud of our long partnership with Proctors and the quality of shows we have been able to bring to the Capital Region through the Key Private Bank Broadway Series,” said Fran O’Rourke, market leader, Capital Region, Key Private Bank. “The “Hamilton” Flyaway Sweepstakes is a great opportunity for a local fan and guest to experience the show before it hits the Proctors stage, and it’s our way of saying thank you to the community for many years of support and celebration of Proctors.”

Subscribers to the 2018–2019 Season at Capital Repertory Theatre will see “Hamilton” at Proctors. Additionally, on North Pearl Street in Albany, fans of theREP will enjoy the powerful summer entry “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash,” “The Royale,” “Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley,” the world premiere of NEXT ACT! New Play Summit winner “Red Maple,” by local actor/playwright David Bunce, and “Shakespeare in Love.”

“Philip is right,” said Mancinelli-Cahill. “There’s a season with a big scope here in Albany, as well. Music, drama, a rollicking contemporary classic, a hilarious world premiere by a Capital Region playwright, and “Hamilton” for our subscribers, too. It’s a wow!”

 Subscriptions for the 2018–2019 Key Private Bank Broadway Series at Proctors and the 2018–2019 Season at Capital Repertory Theatre go on sale 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13 at the Box Office at Proctors, 432 State Street, Schenectady, and by phone at (518)346-6204.

2018–2019 Key Private Bank Broadway Series at Proctors

 All Proctors subscribers will choose one title from Capital Repertory Theatre.

“Anastasia” Oct. 9–14, 2018

From the Tony Award®-winning creators of Ragtime, this epic 2017 Broadway hit takes us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past.  

Anastasia features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics), with direction by Tony Award winner Darko Tresnjak.

“A Bronx Tale” Oct. 23–28, 2018

“Jersey Boys meets West Side Story”—amNewYork

Broadway’s hit crowd-pleaser takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes from the songwriter of Beauty and the Beast, A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family.

Academy Award® winner Robert De Niro and Tony winner Jerry Zaks direct this streetwise musical—based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri’s story—that The New York Times hails as “A Critics’ Pick! The kind of tale that makes you laugh and cry.”

“School of Rock” Feb. 5–10, 2019

 School of Rock is a New York Times Critics’ Pick and “an inspiring jolt of energy, joy and mad skillz!” (Entertainment Weekly). Based on the hit film, this hilarious new musical follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. This high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theatre’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. Vanity Fair raves, “fists of all ages shall be pumping!”

Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” Feb. 26–March 3, 2019

Roald Dahl’s amazing tale is now Schenectady’s golden ticket! It’s the perfect recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including “Pure Imagination,” “The Candy Man” and “I’ve Got a Golden Ticket,” alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of Hairspray. Get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator, and more, more, more at this everlasting showstopper!

“Waitress” June 11–16, 2019

“The women of Waitress are changing Broadway!”—Time Magazine.

Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles (“Brave,” “Love Song”), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam), choreography by Lorin Latarro (Les Dangereuse Liasons, Waiting for Godot) and direction by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland).

“It’s an empowering musical of the highest order!” raves the Chicago Tribune.

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, Waitress tells the story of Jenna—a waitress and expert pie maker, who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town’s new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.

“Hamilton” Aug. 13–25, 2019

 Hamilton is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the

Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton is the story of America then, as told by America now.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex

Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

Subscriber exclusives (available immediately to subscribers):

“Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” Dec. 5–9, 2018

Discover the magic 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 Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. Celebrate the holidays with the show The New York Times calls “100 times better than any bedtime story!”

“The Phantom of the Opera” April 24–May 5, 2019

Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera will make a triumphant return to Schenectady as part of its North American Tour. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is “bigger and better than ever before” and features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler and new staging by director Laurence Connor. The production, overseen by Mackintosh and Matthew Bourne, boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score—with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask of You” and “Masquerade”—will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this Phantom one of the largest productions now on tour.

“The Book of Mormon” May 14–19, 2019

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 misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent halfway across the world to spread the Good Word. Now 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.

2018–2019 Season at Capital Repertory Theatre

 All subscribers will see Hamilton at Proctors.

NEXT ACT! New Play Summit 7

June 2–4, 2018

Taking place at theREP and Proctors, NEXT ACT! New Play Summit, now in June, invites patrons to go behind the scenes to experience how play development happens, and hear readings of works from both seasoned playwrights and the Young Playwright Contest. Attendees have the ability to weigh in on what world premiere will grace theREP’s stage during the 2019-2020 season! Free as a try-me for all subscribers.

“Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash” July 6–Aug. 12, 2018

Take an exuberant ride on the rails, into the backwoods and onto the wide-open highway with the music of Johnny Cash! This remarkable story—created by Richard Maltby, Jr. and conceived by William Meade—is brought to life with 38 foot-stompin’, emotionally-packed songs, such as “Country Boy,” “A Thing Called Love,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Daddy Sang Bass,” “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “I’ve Been Everywhere,” “A Boy Named Sue” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” Performed by a multi-talented cast of actor-musicians, this tale of family, humor, tragedy, sin and redemption is filled with colorful characters and exhilarating music worthy of a legend! 

“The Royale” Sept. 21–Oct. 14, 2018

Jay “The Sport” Jackson needs one more win to become heavyweight champion of the world, but in the Jim Crow reality of 1905 America, his greatest opponent may not be in the ring. Inspired by the true story of trailblazing boxer Jack Johnson, The Royale bristles with the thrilling rapid-fire dialogue and rhythmic punctuation of playwright Marco Ramirez (Netflix’s Daredevil, Orange is the New Black). This powerhouse of a play brings to explosive life the ultimate fight for a man’s place in history and packs a punch that will leave you breathless. 

“Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley” Nov. 23–Dec. 23, 2018 

Spend the holiday season with your favorite Pride and Prejudice characters, as they gather at Pemberley, the stately home of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy. In this charmingly imagined sequel to Jane Austen’s masterwork, the ever-dependable Mary Bennet is growing tired of her role as dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings’ romantic escapades. When the family visits for Christmas, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence, an intellectual match and, possibly, even love? This unstuffy, highly entertaining and warm-spirited play (by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon) will delight Austen aficionados and newcomers alike—just the kind of experience multiple generations can enjoy together! 

“Red Maple” Jan. 25–Feb. 17, 2019 

Everyone wants to know, “What’s the matter with Robert?” Since becoming an empty-nester, the usually solid and dependable professor seems to be falling apart—just like the old red maple tree in the back yard. When friends get together for a cheer-him-up dinner, Robert announces he’s had an epiphany that will rock the world of the stalwart suburban gang around the table. Things get shaken and stirred as the cocktails and confessions flow, building to a hilarious crescendo when an interloper arrives, begging another question, “Guess who’s coming to dinner?” Written by Capital Region veteran actor/writer, David Bunce, this uproarious world premiere comedy, set in the suburbs of Albany, was the runaway hit of the most recent NEXT ACT! New Play Summit. 

“Shakespeare in Love” April 5–May 12, 2019 

Young Will Shakespeare has writer’s block … the deadline for his new play is fast approaching but he desperately needs some inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse—Viola. This beautiful young woman is Will’s greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including donning a moustache) to appear in his next play. As love blossoms, so does the comedy, great romance and playwriting. Join theREP for this immersive and sumptuous Lee Hall adaptation of the Academy Award-winning screenplay (by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard), complete with swordfights, secret trysts, backstage disasters and a dog. “Marvelously fluid, riotously funny and often intensely, even startlingly poignant,” says the Chicago Tribune. “This may be, in part at least, a comedy about Shakespeare falling in love; but joking aside, it could just make you fall, all over again, in love with Shakespeare.”