MNfusion: Ordway Center Announces 2017-2018 Musical Theater Series

Twin Cities theater lovers are getting an early Christmas present – a peek into the 2017 – 2018 season at the Ordway!

Last Thursday, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts announced the shows that will be included in its musical theater series for the following year.

Vice President of Programming and Producing Artistic Director James A. Rocco said the theater released the list of musicals earlier than the full schedule to excite patrons and give them more options for tickets. As with prior years, the musical series features a combination of Ordway produced shows and Broadway tours.

"This series includes both reinvigorated classics and fresh productions, each illuminating diverse musical styles and perspectives while also telling universal stories of hope, community and finding one's place in the world. There truly is something for everyone in this series," Rocco said in a recent press release.

The season starts with the Ordway Center's production of "Jesus Christ Superstar."

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock opera follow the story of Jesus' rise and ends with his final days.

The show will run July 18 – 23, 2017.

Next, before "Hamilton" there was "In The Heights."

Lin-Manuel Miranda's first musical shares the story of New York's Washington Heights neighborhood. It examines what happens when a community is on the brink of change and brings into question the meaning of traditions.

"In The Heights" runs Sept. 12 – 17, 2017.

Finally, to end the musical series, and to close out the year, "Annie" will take the spot as the Ordway's holiday show.

The classic musical about a redheaded orphan with a sunny disposition reminds audiences that the "sun will come out tomorrow."

"Annie" opens on Dec. 7, 2017 and will run the end of the year.

A Broadway tour of the popular show, "Kinky Boots,"  was scheduled to appear at the Ordway Aug. 8 - 13, 2017 but has since been moved to April 3 - 8, 2018. Tickets go on sale on May 17, 2017.

Subscription packages are available now for $130. Single tickets will go on sale March 15, 2017. For more information, or to purchase tickets – individual or group sales, visit the Ordway Center online.