'The Phantom of the Opera' headlines Miller Auditorium's 2018-19 Broadway season

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Subscriptions are available Wednesday, April 4, for Miller Auditorium's 2018-19 Zhang Financial Broadway in West Michigan Series. Featured will be a two-week engagement of the spectacular new production of "The Phantom of the Opera" along with "Monty Python's Spamalot," "Cirque Dreams Holidaze" and "Beautiful—The Carole King Musical."

Renewing subscribers receive the first opportunity to keep their existing seats for orders placed by Friday, May 18. They may also add seats to 2018-19 Lake Michigan Mailers Spotlight Series events as soon as they are announced. Season ticket holders have the opportunity for monthly payment plans on orders turned in by Friday, June 29.

Miller Auditorium is proud to continue its partnership with Zhang Financial as they have signed on as the Broadway in West Michigan Series title sponsor through the 2020-21 season. Established more than two decades ago, Zhang Financial, a fee-only wealth management group, has developed into a prominent industry leader while maintaining its client-centered focus. Zhang Financial is ranked one of the Top 300 Registered Investment Advisors in the nation by the Financial Times. Zhang Financial is also known for its commitment to philanthropy, especially within the local community.

2018-19 Zhang Financial Broadway in West Michigan Series

• Nov. 9-11—The Tony Award-winning Best Musical "Monty Python's Spamalot" begins its search for the Holy Grail in the fall of 2018. This outrageous musical comedy is lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" with a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of 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 worldwide are eating up "Spamalot."
• Dec. 21-23—"Cirque Dreams Holidaze" lights up the 2018 season with the must-see holiday show The New York Daily News proclaims a "delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh-load and so full of energy it could end our dependence on oil." Created by Cirque Dreams founder and Broadway director Neil Goldberg, this incomparable phenomenon features more than 300 imaginative costumes, 20 world-class astonishing acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites celebrating the most wonderful time of the year. Audiences of all ages will be mesmerized and marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity-defying feats and extravagant theatrical production numbers the "Boston Globe" hails "Entrancing ... Las Vegas meets family entertainment." Experience this unique live stage production that dazzled at the Kennedy Center, sparkled at the Grand Ole Opry House and "Broadway World" calls "The Perfect Holiday Gift ... a show that everyone will enjoy."
• Feb. 6-17—Cameron Mackintosh's spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" will come to Kalamazoo as part of a brand new North American tour. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is "bigger and better than ever before" and features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler, and new staging by director Laurence Connor. The production, overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, boasts many exciting special effects including the show's legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score—with songs like "Music of the Night," "All I Ask Of You," and "Masquerade"—will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this "Phantom" one of the largest productions now on tour.
• Mar. 19-24—"Beautiful—The Carole King Musical" tells the inspiring true story of King's remarkable rise to stardom, from being part of a hit songwriting team with her husband Gerry Goffin, to her relationship with fellow writers and best friends Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann, to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history. Along the way, she made more than beautiful music, she wrote the soundtrack to a generation. "Beautiful" features a stunning array of beloved songs written by Gerry Goffin/Carole King and Barry Mann/Cynthia Weil, including "I Feel The Earth Move," "One Fine Day," "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," "You've Got A Friend" and the title song, "Beautiful." It has a book by the Tony and Academy Award-nominated writer Douglas McGrath, direction by Marc Bruni and choreography by Josh Prince, and took home two 2014 Tony Awards and a 2015 Grammy Award.

For more information, contact the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office at (269) 387-2300, (800) 228-9858 or online at www.millerauditorium.com. Miller Auditorium's 2018-19 Lake Michigan Mailers Spotlight Series events will be announced at a later date, along with single ticket on-sale dates.

New bag policy

In an effort to enhance the safety of patrons, Miller Auditorium has adopted a bag policy consistent with those being implemented at performing arts centers across the nation. This policy will go into effect Sunday, April 1. Bags and purses should be no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches or approximately the size of small handbag or clutch purse. Anything larger may be subject to search, and patrons may be asked to return larger bags to their vehicles. Backpacks of any kind are strictly prohibited. Direct questions regarding the bag policy or Miller Auditorium tickets to the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office at (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.