PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST
ANNOUNCES
ALL OF THESE SHOWS PART OF BROADWAY BALANCES AMERICA
WILL BE COMING TO PITTSBURGH
DURING THE PNC BROADWAY IN PITTSBURGH 2019-2020 SEASON
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contacts:
Broadway Across America and The John Gore Organization
Rick Miramontez / Marie Bshara
rick@omdkc.com / marie@omdkc.com
212-695-7400
For The Balancing Act
Lisa Marton
Kristen Rose Agency
Lisa@kristenr.com
561-212-3174
THE BALANCING ACT® AND BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA
COME TOGETHER FOR 6TH SEASON
OF THE POPULAR, AWARD-WINNING SERIES
“BROADWAY BALANCES AMERICA”
GO BACKSTAGE WITH “JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR,” ‘ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE,” “THE BAND’S VISIT,” and “SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL”!
NEW SEASON PREMIERES SEPTEMBER 30 ON THE LIFETIME® CHANNEL
New York, NY – The Balancing Act, the award-winning morning show on the Lifetime Channel, is excited to announce that it has begun shooting the sixth season of the popular series, “Broadway Balances America,” sponsored by Broadway Across America. This four-part miniseries will take viewers behind the scenes of some of the most beloved Broadway musicals touring the country, including Jesus Christ Superstar, 10-time Tony Award® Winning The Band’s Visit, Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville, and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. “Broadway Balances America” will launch on September 30, 2019.
“I’m so proud that we are able to bring audiences behind-the-scenes of touring Broadway productions through our partnership with The Balancing Act. Thanks to the Broadway Balances America program, we’ve been able to create engaging content on more than 30 new tours over the past six years!” said Lauren Reid, COO, The John Gore Organization.
A 17-time Telly Award®-winning series, “Broadway Balances America” provides behind-the-scenes access and interviews highlighting shows featured on Broadway Across America’s 2019-2020 Broadway series nationwide – from Boston to Costa Mesa, from Dallas to Minneapolis, and everywhere in between. The host, Amber Milt, will have the opportunity to meet with the casts, crews, and creative teams for an in-depth look at what it’s like to bring these shows to life on the road, educating audiences across America.
“It’s time to go backstage and meet the talented teams behind these incredible Broadway shows as they head across America and into theatres nationwide,” said Jeanne Kelly, Supervising Producer for “The Balancing Act.” “Our audiences can’t get enough of Broadway Balances America! Each year is better than the last.”
On the first segment, Broadway Balances America goes behind the scenes of the mesmerizing new production of Jesus Chris Superstar. Meet the members of the production team shepherding the 50thAnniversary tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s iconic musical phenomenon across America. Discover how the cast feels singing the legendary score and portraying the extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflect on the rock roots that defined a generation with this modern, fresh direction.
Searching for your lost shaker of salt? Look no further than the second episode of Broadway Balances America! Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville is bringing island time across the country and we’re giving you license to chill behind the scenes. Hear from associate director Amy Corcoran and choreographer Kelly Devine as they explain how this hilarious and heartwarming musical features an original story alongside Jimmy Buffett’s beloved songs. Meet Chris Clark and Sarah Hinrichsen who will bring the romance, joy, and exuberance of the carefree lifestyle across the country as Tully and Rachel. Dive in and don’t let the party start without you!
Jimmy Buffett said, "Since I was young I have always been a fan of live theatre, as I find it to offer the perfect escape from our everyday lives. Through laughter, dance and music near and dear to my heart, Escape to Margaritaville continues this tradition by offering audiences the chance to kick back, relax and brush off their day. We are excited to be a part of the Broadway Balances America initiative to help bring this tropical paradise to audiences around the country."
Up next, Broadway Balances America prepares audiences to feel something different with The Band’s Visit. Milt sits down with producer of the 10-time Tony Award® winning production Orin Wolfe, Tony and Grammy Award® winning music and lyricist David Yazbek, and musical supervisor Andrea Grody to discuss what makes this delightfully offbeat story one that sticks with audiences for a lifetime. Hear from actors Sasson Gabay and Chilina Kennedy about what it means to bring these charming characters to life. Get ready to lean in and open your ears and hearts to the lively sounds of The Band’s Visit.
Orin Wolf said, “In The Band’s Visit strangers find common ground through music. This story about human connection was embraced by Broadway audiences and I'm confident it will resonate with theatregoers across the country. We are thrilled to be a part of this National initiative to further the reach of our show’s message and help bring music and stunning live theater to Broadway fans across America.”
In the final episode, Broadway Balances America explores the impact of Donna Summer’s legacy on her family, fans, and the future of pop music with Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. Learn how Summer’s story was brought to the Broadway stage from the three women portraying the icon onstage in her duckling, disco, and diva phases of life. With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits and choreography by Tony Award® Winner Sergio Trujillo, this electric production is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation, making its way to a city near you. Delve into the world of the disco queen!
Des McAnuff said, “Donna Summer was the greatest singer of her generation. She played a pioneering role in an industry that was steadfastly dominated by men, and she had an enormous impact on American music, not only because of her innovative work with disco, but also as a virtuosic singer/songwriter in rhythm & blues and pop. It’s thrilling to think that her presence will once again be felt in theatres across America where she created so much joy and inspiration. Donna Summer transformed from a humble school girl in Boston, Massachusetts to a beautiful swan who quite literally led the world out onto the dance floor.”
“I first created the Broadway Balances America series as a way to share the power of theatrical storytelling that is quintessential Broadway, and that still rings true today as we head into Season 6,” said Lauren Newman-Giannetti, EVP Branded Entertainment for The Balancing Act. “Each segment opens hearts and minds to the story behind the story - life lessons about family/friendship, love/loss, diversity/inclusion, success/failure, etc., that can have a positive and lasting impact on its audience. Broadway Across America makes it possible for those of us who live outside NYC to experience the ride, by bringing Broadway to our own backyard. I’m excited for Season 6!”
To learn more about the Broadway Balances America series, please visit: www.broadwaybalancesamericamerica.com
THE JOHN GORE ORGANIZATION is the leading developer, producer, distributor and marketer of Broadway theatre worldwide. Under the leadership of 14-time Tony-winning theater producer and owner John Gore, its family of companies includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, and Group Sales Box Office. The company presents shows in 45 cities across North America as well as on Broadway, Off-Broadway, London’s West End, Japan, and China. It has won Tony Awards in every producing category as well as numerous other Drama League, Drama Desk and Olivier awards.
BROADWAY ACROSS AMERICA (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com and Group Sales Box Office. Led by 14-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 45 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton. Current and past productions include Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge! and To Kill A Mockingbird.
THE BALANCING ACT. The Balancing Act is a daily morning show created and produced by BrandStar that brings fresh ideas to today’s modern woman to help balance and enrich her life every day. Now in its ninth season, The Balancing Act features everything from delicious recipes, style makeovers and dream getaways to parenting tips and the latest news in health and wealth. Tune in to The Balancing Act, America’s premier half-hour show for women and about women, weekday mornings at 7:30 a.m. (ET/PT) on Lifetime®. For additional information or to watch an episode, visit: http://www.thebalancingact.com.
To learn more about BrandStar’s branded entertainment programming, visit: http://www.brandstar.com/shows/.
ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE
Welcome to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all — and stay to find something they never expected. With a book by Emmy Award® winner Greg Garcia
(“My Name is Earl,” “Raising Hope”) and Emmy Award® nominee Mike O’Malley (“Survivors Remorse,” “Shameless”) ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE is the musical comedy featuring both original songs and your most - loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Fins,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and many more. USA Today calls it "A little slice of paradise!" and Entertainment Weekly raves, "It will knock your flip-flops off!" So don't let the party start without you.
SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL
She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed.With a score featuring more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including“Love to Love You Baby,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff,” this electric experience is a moving tribute to the voice of a generation.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a world-wide fan base. In celebration of its 50th Anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by the acclaimed director Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You, Into the Woods) and award-winning choreographer Drew McOnie (King Kong, Strictly Ballroom), this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival garnering unprecedented reviews and accolades. Appealing to both theater audiences and concert music fans, this production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring. Featuring award-winning music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, ‘Gethsemane’ and ‘Superstar’
THE BAND’S VISIT
The Band’s Visit is the winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, making it one of the most Tony-winning musicals in history. It is also a Grammy Award® winner for Best Musical Theater Album. In this joyously offbeat story, set in a town that’s way off the beaten path, a band of musicians arrivelost, out of the blue. Under the spell of the desert sky, and with beautiful music perfuming the air, the band brings the town to life in unexpected and tantalizing ways. Even the briefest visit can stay with you forever. The cast of world-class performers is led by award-winning Israeli actor Sasson Gabay, star of the original film and the Broadway production, and Chilina Kennedy, known best for her historic run as Carole King in Broadway’s Beautiful–The Carole King Musical. With a Tony-and Grammy-winning score that seduces your soul and sweeps you off your feet, and featuring thrillingly talented onstage musicians,The Band’s Visit rejoices in the way music makes us laugh, makes us cry, and ultimately, brings us together.
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For more information about the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh 2019-2020 season, presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Broadway Across America, visit TrustArts.org or call 412-456-4800.
MEAN GIRLS, October 29-November 3, 2019, Benedum Center
A BRONX TALE, November 19-24, 2019, Benedum Center
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, December 31, 2019 - January 5, 2020, Benedum Center
MISS SAIGON, February 4-9, 2020, Benedum Center
THE BAND’S VISIT, March 10-15, 2020, Benedum Center
SUMMER THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL, April 7-12, 2020, Heinz Hall
Jimmy Buffett’s ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, May 12-17, 2020, Benedum Center
Season Specials:
Disney’s THE LION KING, September 4-29, 2019, Benedum Center
LES MISÉRABLES, November 26-December 1, 2019, Benedum Center
THE ILLUSIONISTS MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS, December 26-29, 2019, Heinz Hall
CATS, February 25-March 1, 2020, Benedum Center
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has overseen one of Pittsburgh’s most historic transformations: turning a seedy red-light district into a magnet destination for arts lovers, residents, visitors, and business owners. Founded in 1984, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a non-profit arts organization whose mission is the cultural and economic revitalization of a 14-block arts and entertainment/residential neighborhood called the Cultural District. The District is one of the country’s largest land masses “curated” by a single nonprofit arts organization. A major catalytic force in the city, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is a unique model of how public-private partnerships can reinvent a city with authenticity, innovation and creativity. Using the arts as an economic catalyst, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has holistically created a world-renowned Cultural District that is revitalizing the city, improving the regional economy and enhancing Pittsburgh’s quality of life. Thanks to the support of foundations, corporations, government agencies and thousands of private citizens, the Trust stands as a national model of urban redevelopment through the arts.
TrustArts.org | @CulturalTrust on Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
The PNC Foundation joins the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust in bringing the best of Broadway to entertain, enlighten, and complement the rich experiences that add to the region’s exceptional quality of life. The seven season presentations and four specials in the 2019-20 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series contribute to the city’s reputation as a major destination for the arts, culture, and world-class entertainment.
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