The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival announced the lineup for their 60th Anniversary/2018 Season on Wednesday, August 30 -- opening night of their current production of “Ghost The Musical.”
“The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival / Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Inc. will celebrate its 60th Anniversary with a knockout 2018 Season,” said producing artistic director Brett Smock. “In anticipation of this special year, we are looking back at our achievements and accomplishments, relishing the present moment and looking ahead to the next 60 years. With a commitment to entertainment and education, we have put together a season that will deliver dynamic theatrical experiences for the entire family. This Anniversary is about celebrating legacy and our incredible relationship with our community.”
The 60th Anniversary Season opens June 6 with the global smash hit, “Mamma Mia!” Running through June 27, this enchanting musical about love, laughter and friendship will launch the season with its timeless ABBA soundtrack.
Opening July 5 in the second slot is “Anne of Green Gables,” a new musical adaptation of the famous Lucy M. Montgomery novel with book, music, and lyrics by Matte O’Brien and Matt Vinson. This modern, bold production joins the 2018 Season straight from four sold out performances at the 2017 Season of the Festival’s new works series “The PiTCH.” The show features contemporary choreography, ensemble story-telling, and a score that blends folk-rock, pop, gospel, and musical theatre.
Third in line is the regional premiere of the joyous song and tap dancing musical, “Holiday Inn,” running August 1-22. Based on the classic film, this happy-go-lucky, toe tapping hit musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy and a parade of hit Irving Berlin songs perfect for the whole family.
The fourth show of the season is the regional premiere of “Murder For Two,” a zany new musical comedy murder mystery whodunit. This smart, fast-paced 90 minute musical runs August 29 through September 15 and is performed by two actors, each of whom plays 13 characters.
Opening September 21 and rounding out the season is “Beehive,” the musical tribute to the women of 1960s rock, pop, and soul music. Featuring music from the Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, and more, this musical tribute will rock the mainstage 2018 Season to a close October 6.
The 60th Anniversary Season will also include the seventh season of the Festival’s new works series, “The PiTCH,” presented by Generations Bank. Coming off of a record-breaking sixth season, “The PiTCH” will run from July 11 to August 10 and will once again invite audience members each week to witness and give feedback to new musicals in development. To date, the Festival has given residence to 59 emerging new musicals.
Subscriptions are on sale now. The discounted Blue Light Special price is available until Oct. 11, 2017. Subscriptions can be purchased over the phone (1-800-457-8897), in person, or by mailing in a completed subscription form. Flex Pass and Gift Certificate sales begin in late October and single ticket purchases can be made starting February 2018.
2018 Season Dates:
Mamma Mia!: June 6 -27
Anne of Green Gables, A New Musical: July 5-25
Holiday Inn: August 1-22
Murder For Two: August 29-September 15
Beehive: September 21-October 6
About Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival:
Headquartered in Auburn, NY, the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival is a dynamic arts organization committed to creating theatrical experiences at the highest levels of artistic integrity. It leverages the power of the arts as a tool for entertainment, education, social awareness and cultural development in its community and in the region. The Festival is situated in the picturesque Finger Lakes wine region of Central New York. Four hours from NYC and situated between Syracuse, Rochester and Ithaca, the Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival is one of the largest producing musical theatre organizations in New York State, outside of New York City. Find Merry Go Round Finger Lakes Music Theatre on Facebook, follow @FingerLakesMTF on Twitter and Instagram and visit www.FingerLakesMTF.com.
