The Skylight Music Theatre recently announced its upcoming lineup for the 2019-20 season, featuring classics new ("The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee," "Newsies"), old ("Oklahoma," "Evita") and everything in between.
"Our landmark 2019-2020 season is something of a valentine to Skylight on its 60th anniversary," said Skylight artistic director Ray Jivoff, in a press release. "It is a season of big-hearted shows that are full of emotion and full of fun. We think it captures the essence of Skylight."
Here is the upcoming slate of shows coming to the Skylight Music Theatre, complete with show runs and a description of each show from the Skylight's official announcement.
"Oklahoma!"
Sept. 27-Oct. 13
"One of the most influential and triumphant musicals in history! In 1943, 'Oklahoma!' broke ground for seamlessly integrating song and dance into its story of a young farm woman and her two suitors. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and numerous Tony Awards, 'Oklahoma!' features a gorgeous Rodgers and Hammerstein score with such unforgettable songs as 'Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’,' 'People Will Say We’re in Love' and 'Oklahoma.'"
"Newsies"
Nov. 15-Dec. 22
"This Disney film turned Tony Award-winning Broadway hit is based on the rousing true story of newsboys who strike against unfair conditions in turn-of-the century New York City. Featuring a score by Alan Menken ('Little Shop of Horrors'), book by Harvey Fierstein ('Kinky Boots') and exhilarating dancing, this musical delivers a timeless message about fighting for what’s right. Perfect for the whole family."
"Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse)"
Jan. 3-19
"In this special limited run in the Studio Theatre, Skylight and Milwaukee Opera Theatre collaborate to celebrate Skylight’s long history of producing the works of Gilbert and Sullivan with a dramatically and imaginatively reduced production of the G&S gothic melodrama 'Ruddigore,' last produced at Skylight in 1978."
"The Gospel at Colonus"
Jan. 17-26
"With the ground-shaking thunder of a revival meeting and a rousing gospel and blues score, 'The Gospel at Colonus' is an exuberant re-telling of Sophocles’ 'Oedipus at Colonus.' The musical premiered on Broadway in 1988 generating excitement and inspiring a wide audience with its soaring voices, music and dance all set in the context of a black Pentecostal service."
"The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee"
Feb. 7-23
"A group of quirky, socially awkward over-achievers find joy, heartache and a purpose as they compete at the regional spelling bee. Winner of two Tony Awards, 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' charms audiences with its effortless wit and humor, fast-paced and touching story, and fresh, vibrant score by William Finn ('Falsettos,' 'A New Brain'). It’s a wildly funny, riotous ride where winning (and losing) isn't everything."
"Evita"
March 20-29
"This staged concert version is a special limited run of the seven-time Tony Award-winning megawatt musical. The story follows Eva Duarte and her meteoric rise from impoverished child to wife of Argentine president Juan Peron and, finally, to becoming the most powerful woman in Latin America."
"Candide"
April 17-May 10
"Leonard Bernstein's operetta is a masterpiece for the ages. Based on Voltaire's satire of innocence, optimism and the unexpected lessons of life, 'Candide' bridges the gap between musical theatre and opera. It is a cornerstone of Skylight history, having been produced twice at Skylight’s space on Jefferson Street."
Subscriptions are currently on sale now, either purchased in person at the Skylight box office or over the phone at (414) 291-7800. (Important: As special presentations, "Evita" and "Ruddigore" are not a part of a subscription package, but subscribers do have the first go at purchasing tickets at a special price before they are made available to the general public. Single tickets will then go on sale beginning Monday, Aug. 5.
For more information on tickets and shows, visit the Skylight's website.
