The upcoming Broadway series in Philadelphia, starting with “Mean Girls” on October 3 and concluding with “Mamma Mia” in August 2024, features 12 shows that include familiar stories from Hollywood and fresh takes on well known tales. Represented in the lineup are Broadway’s most revered composers, including Stephen Sondheim and Stephen Schwartz, and Broadway’s most memorable characters, including the greatest star herself, Fanny Brice.
“From the iconic music of The Temptations, Sting, and Bob Dylan to family-friendly favorites like Frozen, our 2023-24 season continues our tradition of presenting the very best of Broadway at the Miller Theater and the Academy of Music,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, President and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. “We look forward to sharing exciting new productions and cherished favorites spanning decades and genres–including the return of Wicked, celebrating its 20th anniversary, and the refreshing revivals of Funny Girl and Company.”
The full schedule is below.
Mean Girls (October 3 – 8, 2023)
The musical adaptation of the 2004 film (written by and starring Upper Darby native Tina Fey) features the trio of Regina George, Karen Smith and Gretchen Wieners at the top of their high school food chain. But while George may be the “Apex Predator,” new student Cady Heron might have something to say about that.
Wicked (November 1 – 26, 2023)
Classics are beloved for a reason, and in the case of “Wicked,” it’s the timeless characters and triumphant songs that seal the deal. If you’re looking for a pre-holiday gift to give your niece or nephew, taking them to see Elphaba and Glinda hash it out couldn’t be better. Or, if you just love belting “Defying Gravity” in the shower, see the show as a gift to yourself.
Company (November 28 – December 10, 2023)
The revival of Stephen Sondheim’s classic show on loneliness and connection seamlessly shifts the lead character from a man to a woman, and the modern, neon-lit sets and reimagined choreography complement Tony-winner Marianne Elliot’s masterful direction. The same-sex “Getting Married Today” is a true showstopper, and “Being Alive” remains among the greatest Broadway anthems ever.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze (December 26 – 31, 2023)
“Cirque Dreams Holidaze” dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics bringing holiday storybook characters to life.
Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations (January 3 – 21, 2024)
Whether you listened to your parents sing them or enjoy belting them out yourself, the classic Motown songs from The Temptations like “My Girl,” “Get Ready” and “Just My Imagination” make this biographical musical a fun time for all ages. The costumes, sets and dance moves channel the iconic group, which is still active today.
Mrs. Doubtfire (February 6 – 18, 2024)
The film role made iconic by the late Robin Williams translates to the stage with ease thanks to the direction by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks and music and lyrics by Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick. A quick refresher: an out of work actor dresses up as a Scottish housekeeper to spend time with his kids. Expect laughs and some truly sassy vacuuming.
Girl from the North Country (February 27 – March 10, 2024)
Featuring the songs of Bob Dylan, “Girl from the North Country” follows a group of wayward travelers in 1934 Minnesota whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life and hope. The show reimagines 20 legendary Dylan songs including “Forever Young,” “Hurricane,” and “Like A Rolling Stone.”
Frozen (March 21 – April 7, 2024)
While I said “Wicked” tickets would be the perfect holiday gift for your niece or nephew, perhaps this one is the better bet. The Disney film about the impregnable bonds of sisterhood graces the stage with songs even this middle aged man can enjoy, including “Do You Want To Build a Snowman,” “Love is an Open Door,” and “Let It Go.”
Hadestown (April 10 – 14, 2024)
The Tony-winning “Hadestown” intertwines two mythical duos — young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites viewers on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Anais Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Rachel Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.
Message In A Bottle (May 14 – 19, 2024)
The peaceful village of Bebko is alive with joyous celebrations. Suddenly, under attack, everything changes forever. Three siblings, Leto, Mati and Tana, must embark on perilous journeys in order to survive. “Message In A Bottle” is inspired by and set to the iconic hits of 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting, including “Every Breath You Take,” “Roxanne,” and “Walking On The Moon.”
Funny Girl (July 16 – 28, 2024)
An entire generation of young people will finally get to see the show that launched Barbra Streisand to stardom and delivered a career renaissance to Lea Michele. The success of “Funny Girl” depends entirely on the strength of its lead, so let’s hope that casting directors have found someone truly worthy of the role of Fanny Brice and the inimitable “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
Mamma Mia! (August 6 – 11, 2024)
While any story could have been woven around the iconic songs of ABBA and been great, the mother-daughter relationship and Greek island setting in “Mamma Mia” works beautifully in bringing classics like “The Winner Takes It All,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “Dancing Queen” to life on the stage.
For more information, visit https://www.kimmelculturalcampus.org/.