Shea’s unveils 21st season lineup

Niagara Frontier Publications, April 17, 2008

Late last week, Shea’s Performing Arts Center and its Broadway partner and producer, Albert Nocciolino, announced the 2008-09 season. The M&T Bank Broadway Series features “Legally Blonde The Musical,” “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” “Mama Mia!,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “A Chorus Line” and “The Color Purple.” Special engagements include “Girls Night: The Musical,” “Annie” and “Rent.”

“In the ’08-’09 season, we continue to bring our audiences the hottest musicals on Broadway including their most frequently requested shows,” Shea’s President Anthony Conte said. “Our patrons have been anxiously awaiting the return of the ‘Radio City Christmas Spectacular’ and we’re very excited to bring it back.”

“Legally Blonde The Musical” kicks things off Oct. 14-19. Based on the hit film, “Legally Blonde” brings its first national tour to Buffalo. “The Radio City Christmas Spectacular” returns Nov. 13-30 for 36 performances with the world-famous Radio City Rockettes.

“Mama Mia,” which will hit theaters this summer, is the first Shea’s performance of 2009. The music of ABBA will be heard Feb. 10-15. Perhaps the most famous motion picture of all time, the Broadway version of “The Wizard of Oz” will grace the Buffalo stage March 17-22. It’s followed by “A Chorus Line” on May 5-10.

“The Color Purple,” both a feature film and a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, closes the regular out with shows June 2-7.

“We have new productions like ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘The Color Purple’ on their first national tour; great family entertainment with the return of ‘RCCS’ and the brand new London production of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ as well as the current revival of ‘A Chorus Line’ and the audience favorite ‘Mamma Mia,’ ” Nocciolino said.

“Girls Night: The Musical” is Shea’s first special engagement for 2008-09. Featuring songs “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “I Will Survive,” it’s on stage Sept. 16. “Annie,” the little orphan with the big heart (and voice), runs Dec. 19-21. Finally, the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning “Rent” will be shown Jan. 13-18, 2009.

For more information on Shea’s upcoming season, or to order tickets, call 847-0850 or visit www.sheas.org. Shea’s is located at 646 Main St., Buffalo.