Broadway at the Tivoli, the series presented by the Tivoli Theatre Foundation, will actually take place inside Memorial Auditorium this season as the 1,700-seat Tivoli undergoes a $42 million renovation beginning early next year.
The series will feature six productions starting with "Waitress" on Oct. 25-27 and ending in July 2022, but Executive Director Nick Wilkinson said rather than split the series up between two venues, all six shows would move to the 3,800-seat auditorium this season.
Wilkinson said the move accomplishes several goals, including the ability to show off work that has been done in the auditorium, and it perhaps sets the stage for drawing Broadway shows that require a larger stage and the ability to sell more tickets.
"Memorial is in great shape with new bars that are first class," he said. "We've also put in curtains that allow us to isolate the bottom floor. We have branded the series as Broadway at the Tivoli over five years, and it has done very well, but honestly when we get a 'Wicked' or 'Phantom' or 'Lion King,' they would do it at Memorial, so this is good for us to show people what we can do there."
The other productions in the series are "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical" Nov. 30-Dec. 2, "Jersey Boys" Jan. 18-20, "Rent" Feb. 22-24, "Hairspray" May 31-June 2 and "Anastasia" July 12-14.
Tickets will be offered to previous subscribers first, with four-year subscribers getting the first opportunity June 8-14. Three-year subscribers can renew their tickets June 15-21 and two- and one-year subscribers will be able to renew June 22-28. First-time buyers will be able to buy season subscriptions June 29 at 10 a.m.
Single show tickets, if available, will go on sale sometime after subscriptions are sold.
The foundation offers three package options, and subscribers can buy all six titles or customize a package of four or five titles. Buying all six comes with a 10% discount. Yearly subscribers keep the same seats each year and also get additional benefits including first notification of next year's season, free same-show ticket exchanges and the opportunity to buy additional tickets before they go on sale to the general public.
"Our subscribers are the backbone of our Broadway program," Wilkinson said. "They are the ones who bought into our vision and make sure this happens."
The entire Tivoli Theatre center, which includes the 1,700-seat venue as well as the offices, dressing rooms and rehearsal spaces next door, will be undergoing a major renovation starting in January or February. When finished, the center will have space for numerous arts organizations, new bathrooms and concession areas and elevators for easier theater access for people with disabilities. There will also be a rooftop bar and event space.
How the spaces will be used will depend on the tenants who use the space not occupied by the foundation, which is charged with overseeing the Tivoli as well as Memorial Auditorium and the Walker Theatre located on its second floor.
The Tivoli, opened in 1921, has been home to everything from movies and vaudeville shows to live music, and Wilkinson said these plans set it up for the next 100 years. He also said the Tivoli will continue to have shows such as concerts and the Bobby Stone Film Series until it closes for renovation.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.