The Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center has lined up some famous names for its 2007-2008 season.
Annie. Evita. Smokey. Hootie. And, of course, Jesus Christ.
The schedule for the center’s fourth season, unveiled today, features the most Broadway shows and some of its biggest musical acts ever.
“This schedule is reflective of the things that have been successful for us over the past two years,” said Executive Director Brian Laczko, who came to the center in 2005. “We think it’s the type of programming this region would enjoy. It’s so diverse.”
The center’s Broadway slate consists of a five-show season package and three add-on shows, including the center’s first show in the Myre River Room. The Carson Series remains a work in progress, with nine shows scheduled and several more to come, Laczko said.
Broadway season ticket renewals start today and go through June 29. New season ticket subscriptions go on sale today, but seating preferences won’t be guaranteed until mid-July, and tickets for individual shows will be available about six weeks before they open.
The Broadway season includes:
“Evita,” Sept. 21 and 22. The musical collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice about the life of Eva Peron won seven Tony Awards.
“Movin’ Out,” Jan. 22 and 23. The songs of Billy Joel and the choreography of Twyla Tharp tell the story of a generation coming of age in the 1960s on Long Island, N.Y.
“Annie,” Feb. 19 and 20. A red-headed orphan girl finds a home with a rich man who tries to help her find her real parents.
“Chicago,” March 7 and 8. A quiet chorus girl murders the star’s boyfriend to become a celebrity herself in the musical that became an Oscar-winning film.
“Jesus Christ Superstar,” April 29 and 30. Another Webber/Rice production, this rock opera covers the last few weeks of Jesus’ life. Ted Neeley, who starred as Jesus in the 1973 film version, retains the role in his farewell tour, and former Living Colour singer Corey Glover co-stars as Judas.
Three other Broadway shows round out the season, but aren’t included in the package. The center doesn’t promise season-ticket holders will retain their same seats, but will try to provide the closest seats available. The shows are:
Hal Holbrook in “Mark Twain Tonight,” Nov. 13. The show makes a return visit to the Carson Center; Holbrook performed here in the center’s first season in 2004.
“The Fresh Aire of Mannheim Steamroller,” April 1. The new age musical group’s first “Fresh Aire” album appeared in 1974, and the series has grown to eight albums.
“Defending the Caveman,” Oct. 30 through Nov. 4. Rob Becker’s one-man show is the longest-running solo play in Broadway history. The comedy about the differences between the sexes will appear in the Myre River Room, the first show to be performed there.
The center’s Carson Series now includes 10 shows, but Laczko said he plans to add a Christmas show featuring a “big-name country act” as well as a couple of more shows in the spring.
Tickets are now available for the July 13 concert by Nickel Creek, the pop-bluegrass band that includes Murray native Chris Thile. Prices are $40, $30 and $20. Tickets for Smokey Robinson’s July 28 concert will go on sale June 11, and tickets for Hootie & the Blowfish’s Aug. 14 show go on sale June 25.
The three concerts represent a change in scheduling philosophy for the center, which has shied from summer shows since 2004 when several underperformed. Laczko said he believes these acts will attract crowds.
Ticket information on the remaining shows will be released next month. The other shows are:
“Go Diego Go Live — The Great Jaguar Rescue,” Oct. 9 and 10. The live-action stage show features songs and characters from the popular children’s TV show.
Coasters, Platters and Drifters, Oct. 19. The vocal groups from the ’50s and ’60s perform their hits.
Amy Grant with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, Oct. 27. The six-time Grammy Award winner is also a member of the Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame.
Bowfire, Nov. 1. The group features virtuoso string players on a variety of instruments.
NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Nov. 4. The winner and four finalists from this summer’s reality show will appear.
Eileen Ivers, “An Nollaig — An Irish Christmas,” Dec. 22. The nine-time All-Ireland fiddle champion performs traditional Irish and holiday songs.
John Tesh, Feb. 14. The adult contemporary star will perform a Valentine’s Day program.
Information: 450-4444 or www.thecarsoncenter.org.
Broadway Tickets
Tickets for the five-show classic series — “Evita,” “Movin’ Out,” “Annie,” “Chicago” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” — cost $145, $192 and $250. Tickets can be added for the three bonus shows:
“Mark Twain Tonight,” $25, $34 and $46.
Manheim Steamroller, $29, $39 and $53.
“Defending the Caveman,” $39.
Individual tickets, if available, will go on sale about six weeks before each show.
Information: 450-4444.
