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Bringing Up Broadway: Upcoming theater series ushers in a new season for the community
Broadway at the Tivoli Theatre
The Tivoli Theatre recently announced its inaugural Broadway at the Tivoli lineup featuring some well-known and popular musical theater productions. The 2016-2017 season includes classic favorites and modern shows alike. Dirty Dancing(Jan. 17-18, 2017)Enjoy heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing to hit songs Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.Chicago(Feb. 15-17, 2017)One of the longest-running American musicals, Chicago is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording. Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her.Rent(March 8-9, 2017)A reimagining of Puccini’s La Bohème, Rent follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters — love.Riverdance(April 18-20, 2017)Drawing on Irish traditions, the combined talents of the performers propel Irish dancing and music into the present day, capturing the imagination of audiences across all ages and cultures in an innovative and exciting blend of dance, music and song.Annie(May 2-3, 2017)Closing out the season, this family classic musical features book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin.
It’s known as the “Jewel of the South.”
From silent film showings in its early days to dance recitals, symphony concerts, local theater productions and charity events in more recent years, the Tivoli Theatre has been a gathering place for the arts community since the marquee lit up for the first time in 1921.
Although the theater is a cornerstone in Chattanooga’s history, it has deteriorated from its original 1920’s grandeur. Several years ago, it was estimated that the Tivoli would need at least $4 million to $6 million in physical improvements to correct issues from crumbling plaster work to carpeting held together with strips of duct tape, as well as improvements to correct outdated areas in the theater.
Such maintenance and renovation was a near impossibility with the Tivoli and Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium costing the city $1.5 million annually while only generating $750,000 in combined revenue.