Dame Edna is final show in 2002-2003 Phoenix Broadway Series
Contact: Shawna Browne (860) 987-6096; e-mail: shawna_browne@bushnell.org
JULY 9, 2002 HARTFORD, CT -The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts is pleased to announce that A Night with Dame Edna has been added to the 2002-2003 Phoenix Broadway Series.
Following her success on TVs Ally McBeal, Dame Edna Everage comes to The Bushnell stage February 18-23, 2003 in her legendary, multi-award-winning comic spectacular. Dame Edna, the alter-ego of Australian comic Barry Humphries, has titillated audiences from London to Broadway with her, rather his, hilarious full-audience-participation comedy. The Dame's Broadway debut received the 2000 Tony Award for Live Theatrical Event and raves from critics: "An evening of long and loud laughs." (New York Daily News), "The funniest and cleverest show in town." (New York Post)
The 2002-2003 Phoenix Broadway Series also features the Connecticut premieres of three direct-from-Broadway shows - Mamma Mia!, The Full Monty and The Tale of the Allergist's Wife. Subscriptions can be purchased by visiting or calling The Bushnell Box Office at 860-987-5900. Requests for brochures can be emailed to info@bushnell.org.
2002-2003 Phoenix Broadway Series
Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance September 3-8, 2002, Mortensen Hall Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance - the international sensation that has broken box office records in more than 30 countries - is coming to The Bushnell! Audiences will finally have a chance to experience the extravaganza that has helped catapult Irish dancing into the global spotlight and created a new wave of Celtic dance mania. Described by the New York Post as "fascinating, rewarding and above all, entertaining," Lord of the Dance is a mesmerizing blend of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance, a classic tale of good vs. evil, and a passionate love story expressed through dance numbers.
West Side Story October 1-6, 2002, Mortensen Hall A triumph on every level, this exciting musical sets the ageless tragedy of Romeo and Juliet against a backdrop of the slums of 1950's New York. The combination of a dynamic score written by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim and exuberant choreography by Jerome Robbins creates a transcendent fusion of realism and fantasy that will forever be a feast for the senses. Filled with electrifying dances and non-stop excitement, it also features some of the most glorious music ever written for the stage, including "Maria," "Tonight," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere (There's A Place For Us)." Certified by critics and endorsed by audiences as one of the greatest shows of all time, musical theater just doesn't get any better than this.
Mamma Mia! November 5-24, 2002, Mortensen Hall "It's a sensation - just sit back and let the joy sweep over you," raves the New York Post. This international hit musical is captivating standing-room only crowds wherever it plays. Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' Mamma Mia! - It's ABBA's greatest hits woven into three wonderful love stories: a young girl about to be married; her mother about to confront the past; and the best love story of all - the audience about to jump out of their seats with joy! This heartwarming and hilarious tale, together with over 20 classic ABBA songs including "Dancing Queen", "The Winner Takes It All", "Knowing Me, Knowing You" and "Mamma Mia", will have you singing and dancing in the aisles.
The Full Monty January 14-19, 2003, Mortensen Hall The Full Monty is Broadway's smash hit musical about six good buddies whose desperate plan to get their lives back together requires them to triumph over their fears, their nerves and their clothes. Nominated for ten Tony Awards(r) including Best Musical, The Full Monty features a new book by Tony Award(r) winner Terrence McNally, music and lyrics by pop composer David Yazbek, and direction by Jack O'Brien. USA Today proclaims The Full Monty "one of the most entertaining and exhilarating productions you'll ever see!" For a truly original musical comedy, you've gotta go for The Full Monty!
The Tale of the Allergist's Wife starring Valerie Harper February 4-9, 2003, Mortensen Hall Between Bloomingdale's, The Metropolitan Opera and The Museum of Modern Art, who has time for a nervous breakdown? Certainly not Marjorie Taub, a culture-obsessed New Yorker whose mid-life crisis deepens when her glamorous childhood friend reappears for a mysterious visit. The Tale of the Allergist's Wife is Broadway's funniest new play, a Tony-nominated smash hit which has been called "an uproarious comedy" (The New York Times), "irresistibly hilarious" (The Daily News) and "the funniest play I have ever seen in my life!" (Rosie O'Donnell).
A Night with Dame Edna February 18-23, 2003, Mortensen Hall Following her success on TVs Ally McBeal, Dame Edna Everage returns to the stage in her legendary, multi-award-winning comic spectacular. Universally hailed as 'the funniest and most gifted woman in the world', Dame Edna dazzles audiences with two hours of song, dance and nonstop laughs - a roller coaster of family entertainment. Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to spend A NIGHT WITH DAME EDNA.
Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk starring Savion Glover May 27-June 1, 2003, Mortensen Hall Winner of four 1996 Tony Awards, Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk uses the rhythms and energies of tap to celebrate the history of 'da beat. Conceived and directed by George C. Wolfe and choreographed by Savion Glover (both winners of Tony Awards for their work in the show), the breakthrough musical started as a workshop during the summer of 1995 at The Public Theater, where it opened to unanimous critical acclaim by theater and dance critics. It then transferred to Broadway in April 1996 and reopened to a second round of rave reviews, nine Tony Award nominations and sell-out crowds.
Ticket Information * New subscription orders will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit or call The Bushnell Box Office at 860-987-5900. Or email info@bushnell.org to request a brochure. * Individual tickets for Lord of the Dance and West Side Story are on sale now! Tickets for other shows in the Phoenix Broadway Series go on sale to the public in early September.
Photography for many of the above performances is available upon request.