Curtain Rises on New Atlanta Broadway Series

The lights of Broadway are preparing to shine on Atlanta’s newest performance venue! A brand NEW series of blockbuster Broadway programming is set to debut at the new Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, a state-of-the-art venue that opened to popular and critical acclaim in September 2007.

The first season of the Atlanta Broadway Series will premiere this fall with a spectacular line-up of Broadway’s biggest hits and most exciting offerings, including WICKED, CIRQUE DREAMS Jungle Fantasy, HAIRSPRAY and Monty Python’s SPAMALOT. Audiences can also enjoy a special performance from Natalie Cole.

“We are proud to kick off the new Atlanta Broadway Series with such high-caliber content,” comments Stephanie Parker, vice president of the series. “Bringing these beloved Broadway hits to metro-Atlanta audiences is a natural progression now that the Atlanta region features such a spectacular new performing arts facility.”

“The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre is thrilled to announce its third resident company, the Atlanta Broadway Series, in a venue designed to accommodate Broadway," said Michael Taormina CFE, managing director of the Centre. "Booking a Broadway series has always been a priority for the Cobb Energy Centre. Being able to announce —particularly during our first year of operation—this exciting new addition to the Centre's program offerings is especially gratifying.”

The 2008-2009 season of the Atlanta Broadway Series includes:

WICKED
October 28 - November 2, 2008
This show is playing at The Fox Theatre, but subscribers to the Atlanta Broadway Series will get the chance to see the musical phenomenon as part of their 2008-2009 package.
Back by “Popular” Demand. The New York Times calls WICKED “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster,” and when it first played Atlanta in May, 2006, it broke box office records and sold out in record time. Winner of 20 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony Awards®, WICKED is sure to create more box office magic when it flies back to Atlanta. Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for “the most completely satisfying new musical in a long time” (USA Today).

CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY
December 30, 2008 – January 4, 2009
USA Today calls CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY, “Dazzling…A fantastical tale of an enchanted jungle.” Direct from Broadway, CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY is an exotic encounter inspired by nature’s unpredictable creations that are brought to life by an international cast of 28 soaring aerialists, spine-bending contortionists, acrobats, jugglers and musicians. The astounding feats performed in this action packed Cirque Dream are enhanced with over 150 spectacular costumes and set in a fantastical jungle ignited by striking visual effects. From the breathtaking aerial ballet of butterflies to the balancing giraffes, gigantic flowers and trees, this world-class explosion of athleticism, theatre and imagination will exhilarate the entire family. In the ongoing tradition of extravagant touring shows, Neil Goldberg and Cirque Productions continue to blend European artistry with circus and Broadway theatrics in a dramatic fashion that transcends imagination and leaves its narration to the eyes of the beholder making CIRQUE DREAMS JUNGLE FANTASY a Broadway first.

HAIRSPRAY
January 13 - 18, 2009
It's 1962, and pleasantly plump Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire - to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, but she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network - all without denting her 'do! Don't miss HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s musical-comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture and won eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. As The New York Times says, “If life were everything it should be, it would be more like HAIRSPRAY. It’s irresistible!”

Monty Python’s SPAMALOT
March 17 - 22, 2009
Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and The Holy Grail." Directed by Tony Award-winner Mike Nichols, with a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up Spamalot.

SEASON SPECIAL:
As one of the Season Ticket Holder benefits, Atlanta Broadway Series Season Ticket Holders will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets to a NATALIE COLE CONCERT PERFORMANCE at the Cobb Energy Centre on October 19, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Singer Natalie Cole has achieved unprecedented global success as an interpreter of standards and soulful R&B vocalist. She was the first black singer to win a Grammy in the “Best New Artist” category and received a “Record of the Year” Grammy for “Unforgettable,” the groundbreaking duet with her late father’s voice. She releases a new collection of standards this fall called Still Unforgettable.

The 2008-2009 Atlanta Broadway Series season packages are on sale now with prices ranging from $116 – $354. Season ticket prices will vary depending on the number of shows chosen, the number of performances, show time, day of the week and seating location. New subscriptions may be ordered over the phone by calling 1-877-451-7469 Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 5:00pm; by fax at 1-800-535-2929; or online at www.cobbenergycentre.com.

Tickets to individual shows in the 2008-2009 season are not available for purchase at this time. Single-show tickets typically go on sale to the general public six to eight weeks prior to Opening Night. However, Season Ticket Holders have the unique opportunity to purchase additional tickets before they go on sale to the public. For more information on the 2008-2009 Season, or to order online, please visit www.cobbenergycentre.com. Reservations for groups of 20 or more for individual shows can be made at this time by calling 404-881-2000.

Performances are Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (All times are subject to change). An audio described performance for the visually impaired and an American Sign Language-interpreted performance for the deaf are available for each pre-determined Saturday matinee of each presentation.

The Atlanta Broadway Series was created in partnership with WH Management.