TPAC announces season schedule for 2006-2007

The 2006-2007 HCA/TriStar Broadway Across America Nashville season opens in September with Richard Chamberlain and Hayley Mills in ?On Golden Pond,? followed by the much-anticipated, six-week engagement of Disney?s ?The Lion King,? as well as a tribute to the legendary Rat Pack, and a starring role for an actress from the “Brat Pack.”

The full five-show subscription series is:

?On Golden Pond,? the comedy-drama about a couple?s 47th and final summer at their lakeside cottage, September 19-24, 2006;

Disney?s The Lion King, now in its ninth year on Broadway, won the Tony Award? for best musical in addition to top honors for every member of the creative team for the inventive staging of the story about a lion cub who struggles to accept his destiny as king, October 26 – December 3, 2006;

?The Rat Pack Live from Las Vegas,? recreating Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin in their legendary, impromptu concerts at the Sands Hotel, with an on-stage orchestra, February 6-11, 2007;

?The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee? the Tony Award?-winning musical comedy “H–I–T” about six middle school misfits in the championship of a lifetime, March 6-11, 2007; and

?Sweet Charity,? starring Molly Ringwald, who shot to fame with a group of young film actors who became known as “The Brat Pack,” in the 1980s, in the recent Broadway revival of the musical comedy about the misadventures of a dance hostess, June 12-17, 2007.

Outside of the five-show subscription series, TPAC is presenting the return of two box office hits as “specials” and a brand new musical for family audiences:

?Mamma Mia!,? the best-selling musical in the world today, weaves together 22 of ABBA hits into an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, May 1-6, 2007;

?Cats,? Andrew Lloyd Webber?s long-running hit, winner of seven Tony Awards? including best musical, returning to TPAC by popular demand in 2007 (date to be announced); and

?Barbie? Live in Fairytopia?,? Broadway-style musical for families, featuring extravagant design and special effects, including flying fairies, playing Nashville in 2007 (date to be announced).

“We?re especially proud and excited to announce this next season of Broadway at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center?a subscription series of tours playing Nashville for the first time, marked by outstanding talent, legendary names in entertainment, and the big winners at the Tony Awards?,” said Kathleen O?Brien, TPAC?s president and chief executive officer. “With the blockbuster musical of the decade anchoring one of the most diverse series we?ve ever presented, we?re expecting a great year for season ticket sales. Between the new productions in the subscription package, and the return of two all-time audience favorites, TPAC is likely to set a new record for Broadway attendance over the course of the season.”

Subscriptions?or season tickets?for the five-show season are on sale now. The cost of the five-show package for HCA/TriStar Broadway Across America Nashville ranges from $97 to $345, depending on seat location and day of performance. Single tickets will be on sale to the general public approximately six to eight weeks prior to opening at TPAC, with the exception of Disney?s The Lion King,? which will be on sale to the general public on June 10. Tickets to Disney?s ?The Lion King? are on sale now to groups of 20 or more; call 615/782-4060 for more information.

“Subscriptions continue to be the most economic and efficient way to enjoy the Broadway experience in Nashville,” said O?Brien, “And the only way to guarantee the best choice of seats for ?The Lion King,? with tickets available to subscribers two months before they go on sale to the general public.”

Another benefit, “Share the Stage with a Friend,” gives subscribers a $20 credit to their own account when they make a referral to TPAC that results in the sale of another five-show subscription. There is no limit on referrals.

For more information on HCA/TriStar Broadway Across America Nashville, visit the web sites www.tpac.org or www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com, where season subscriptions may be purchased on-line; call TPAC Subscriber Services at 615/782-6560 (or 1-800/410-4216, outside of the Nashville calling area) or visit the TPAC Box Office at 505 Deaderick Street or Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills. For information on seating for groups of 20 or more, call the TPAC Group Sales Office at 615/782-4060.