The year -- 1955.
The theater -- North Shore Music Theatre,
a brand new theater-in-the round, ready for patrons for the
very first time.
Now, 50 years and millions of patrons
later, the award-winning North Shore Music Theatre is celebrating
a landmark: 50 years of providing exceptional entertainment to legions
of people throughout New England.
One of the last remaining non-profit arena-style theaters in the United
States to produce musical theater, NSMT has become the largest non-profit
professional theater in New England. Artistic Director and
Executive Producer Jon Kimbell, who has been at the helm
for 22 years, has scheduled a 2005 season of musical theater that
reflects the theater’s rich past and ambitious future.
The 2005 Season includes:
“Thoroughly Modern Millie”
(Regional Theater Premiere)
April 26 - May 15
The 2005 season begins in style with a high-energy,
feel-good musical that captures all the excitement and exuberance
of the Jazz Age. Winner of six Tony® Awards, including Best Musical
of 2002, Thoroughly Modern Millie is the story of a small-town girl
who follows her dreams to the big city, where she finds romance, adventure
and above all, fun. This Regional Theatre Premiere of Thoroughly Modern
Millie will be directed and choreographed by Barry Ivan.
“Fame: The Musical “
(NSMT Premiere)
May 31 - June 19
It began as an Academy Award®-winning movie, then
it became an Emmy Award-winning TV series and finally, an international
musical theater sensation. With its high-octane blend of youthful
energy, hope and passion, this all-new production follows a group
of gifted students through four grueling, exhilarating years at New
York's renowned High School for the Performing Arts.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “Cinderella”
(NSMT Premiere)
July 12 - July 31
Originally created for television by the legendary
team of Rodgers and Hammerstein, this magical musical continues to
enchant theater audiences all over the world with its classic tale
of love and transformation.
“Abyssinia”
(Co-Production with Goodspeed Musicals)
Aug. 23 - Sept. 11
Born during a terrifying tornado, Abyssinia Jackson
is a young African-American woman blessed with an angelic voice and
an amazing ability to heal. But when tragedy strikes, she loses faith
- and begins a courageous journey of renewal and rediscovery.
"Camelot"
Sept. 20 - Oct. 9
Long ago and far away, in a lawless and barbaric land,
there was one brief shining moment when justice and order held sway.
Until passion got in the way. Audiences will join King Arthur, Guenevere
and Sir Lancelot in this epic saga of love and betrayal, set to the
soaring score by Lerner and Loewe.
"The Full Monty"
(NSMT Premiere)
Oct. 25 - Nov. 20
Based on the hit movie, this upbeat musical comedy
is about six unemployed steel workers in Buffalo, New York, who discover
just how far they're willing to go to make some quick cash. Recommended
for mature audiences.
Throughout the 2005 season, NSMT will also host several special events
to celebrate their 50 years and to bring the theatre experience even
closer to the audience. These events include:
Meet the Theatre
Meet the Theatre allows the audience to ask questions
of the cast and creative staff and find out what happens behind the
scenes to make the show go on. These discussions occur immediately
after the performance following the second Tuesday evening and the
third Saturday matinee of each engagement.
Out At The North Shore
This evening for the GLBT community offers the chance
to meet members of the cast and enjoy live entertainment at a free
post-show reception at Overtures, North Shore Music Theatre's on-site
restaurant. Sponsored by In Newsweekly, the Greater Boston
Business Council, the Beverly Athletic Club and Different Tastes.
This reception occurs the third Thursday evening of each run.
Spotlight On History
New for 2005 -- Celebrate our country's rich cultural
heritage by arriving early to take part in our Spotlight on History
pre-show educational series. Partnering with the Essex National Heritage
Commission and the Wenham Museum, each discussion will feature a different
historical topic related to the show on stage. This bonus humanities
presentation is free of charge and open to the public. These discussions
occur prior to the second Saturday matinee of each run.
For information on subscription packages or individual ticket, call
978-232-7200 or visit www.nsmt.org.
