Hennepin Theatre Trust Unveils 2011/12 Broadway Season

Hennepin Theatre Trust today announced a stellar new slate of productions for the 2011/12 Broadway Across America-Minneapolis Season, showcasing some of the nation's best touring musicals. Running from October 2011 to June 2012, the eclectic lineup features Minnesota debuts of the hot new productions of American Idiot and Million Dollar Quartet, the first-ever theatrical tour of Blue Man Group, the new 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables and classics including La Cage Aux Folles, Disney's The Lion King and Mamma Mia!. Shows will be held in Hennepin Theatre Trust's historic State and Orpheum Theatres, at 805 and 910 Hennepin Avenue respectively, in downtown Minneapolis. Season ticket packages, group tickets and single tickets for Hennepin Theatre Trust Donors go on sale Friday, March 11. Individual tickets will be made available later. Visit HennepinTheatreTrust.org for more information.

"Whether you are a theatre newcomer or a long time aficionado, I'm proud to say Hennepin Theatre Trust brings the country's brightest and most glittering touring productions right to your doorstep," commented Tom Hoch, President/CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust. "There is no need for a trip to New York to experience Broadway's finest shows, because our season is a defining feature among a vibrant array of cultural activities all along Hennepin Avenue."

The Minneapolis Broadway season begins October 18-23, 2011 at the State Theatre with La Cage Aux Folles, winner of three 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. In La Cage, sparks fly when the flashy Georges, owner of a glitzy nightclub in Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin, host a visit from the conservative parents of Georges' son's fiancée. December 6-18 heralds the new 25th anniversary production of Cameron Mackintosh's legendary Les Misérables at the Orpheum. Now with new staging and re-imagined scenery, this Boublil and Schönberg musical juggernaut has been hailed as "a five star hit, astonishingly powerful," by The London Times.

From January 11-February 12, 2012, The Lion King roars again. It's the phenomenon that dazzled audiences during its 1997 Minneapolis world premiere and now the musical recaptures the Orpheum Theatre for its fourth local engagement. This breathtaking spectacle of animals is brought to life by a cast of more than 40 actors and includes unforgettable music by Elton John and Tim Rice. American Idiot, based on Green Day's Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum album, makes its highly anticipated Minnesota debut February 21-26, 2012 at the Orpheum. This Grammy and Tony Award-winning smash hit musical about three lifelong friends forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia was called "thrilling and emotionally charged, as moving as anything on Broadway!" by the New York Times.

The smash hit musical Million Dollar Quartet debuts March 27 to April 1, 2012 at the State Theatre and is inspired by the true story of the famed recording session when Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll," brought together icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. Showcasing a score of such hits as "Blue Suede Shoes," "Great Balls of Fire" and "Walk the Line," this thrilling musical brings you inside the recording studio with four major talents who came together as a red-hot rock 'n' roll band for one unforgettable night.

The perennially popular Mamma Mia! returns April 24-29, 2012 to the Orpheum Theatre. This ultimate feel-good show has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill at the smash hit musical that combines ABBA's greatest hits with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. The season concludes June 15-24, 2012 with the multimedia extravaganza Blue Man Group at the Orpheum Theatre. This intoxicating blend of music, comedy and technology is acclaimed for its stirring originality, with the New York Times calling it "one of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged."

SEASON TICKET INFORMATION
Season Ticket Packages go on sale Friday, March 11, 2011 and include La Cage Aux Folles, Les Misérables, American Idiot, Million Dollar Quartet and Blue Man Group with the option of adding The Lion King to the package. Mamma Mia! is coming to town as a season special. Package prices range from $155 to $484 and include applicable season ticket discounts, Select Seating, theatre restoration and handling fees. Information is available 24 hours a day at HennepinTheatreTrust.org. Patrons can also call the Broadway Across America Season Ticket Hotline at 1.800.859.SHOW (7469), Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. CST. By fax, dial 1.800.329.8587.

Current Season Ticket Holders are urged to respond to renewal notices immediately to retain their season seats or to request an upgrade. Friday, April 22 is the renewal deadline. Group tickets, with discounts available for many performances, are also on sale now and provide a great way to celebrate many family or office occasions. Group minimums and discounts vary; please call 612.373.5665 for information and reservations. Single tickets to all shows are available now, but only to Hennepin Theatre Trust Donors who can purchase by calling 612.373.5689. Single tickets for individual productions will go on sale to the general public at a later date. Prices, shows, artists, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Further information will be posted online as it becomes available at HennepinTheatreTrust.org and can also be received directly by signing up to receive email notification of the latest updates.

SEASON TICKET HOLDER BENEFITS
Season Ticket Holders get the best access to guaranteed seats for the year's hottest shows and enjoy many benefits including:
· Priority PRE-SALE opportunities to buy additional tickets before public on-sale dates
· EASY payment plan-pay in two installments at no additional charge
· SEASON HANDBOOK-an information guide, plus a dining coupon book!
· FREE TICKET EXCHANGE and replacement services
· OFFERS from Hennepin Theatre Trust restaurant and hotel partners
· ADVANCE ACCESS to tickets for Broadway series shows at the Ordway
· SELECT SEATING-secure the best seats and support the non-profit work of the Trust

FLEX TICKET INFORMATION
Starting Monday, April 4, 2011, flex packages will also be available, allowing patrons to customize their own season by choosing three or more shows from any of the seven productions. Seating for each show is based upon availability after renewing Season Ticket Holders have been seated. Flex ticket buyers must select at least three shows, but can purchase tickets to as many shows as they want. They may also choose any performance and purchase up to eight tickets to each show at any desired price level. This offer is subject to ticket and location availability and additional fees may apply at the point of purchase.

Packages are available in person at the State Theatre Box Office (805 Hennepin Avenue, Mpls., 55402), by phone through the Broadway Across America Season Ticket Hotline (1.800.859.SHOW (7469), Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. CST) or online at www.HennepinTheatreTrust.org. Prices vary depending on show selection, performance time and seating preference. Subscriber benefits do not apply to Flex packages.

2011/12 BROADWAY SEASON-Additional Information

La Cage Aux Folles, October 18-23, 2011, State Theatre
Winner of three Tony Awards including the award for Best Musical Revival, this hilarious new production of La Cage Aux Folles was the biggest hit of the 2010 Broadway season, leaving audiences in stitches night after night! La Cage tells the story of Georges, the owner of a glitzy nightclub in lovely Saint-Tropez, and his partner Albin, who moonlights as the glamorous chanteuse Zaza. When Georges' son brings his fiancée's conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair, the bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly! La Cage is a tuneful and touching tale of one family's struggle to stay together...stay fabulous...and above all else, stay true to themselves! With a glorious score of hummable melodies and a dynamite cast featuring the "notorious and dangerous Cagelles," La Cage is an indisputable musical comedy classic...and this extraordinary new version shows you why!