Erie Playhouse Announces 2012-2013 Season

erieplayhouse.org

The Erie Playhouse presented the lineup for its 2012-13 Season at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, with a stop-the-presses kind of announcement that's sure to bring a smile to any theater-enthusiast's face.

"Les Miserables" will make its Playhouse-stage debut Sept. 13 and will run through Oct. 21.

"This is the first time the rights have been released to community theaters," said Sue Lechner, the Playhouse's marketing and special events director.

The production is on tour this year and will stop in Erie before heading south to Pittsburgh. Lechner added that there was no hesitation in booking the production when the Playhouse staff learned the rights were available.

In addition to "Les Mis," other Mainstage productions include: "The Sound of Music," "Duke Ellington's 'Sophisticated Lades'," "Sense and Sensibility," "Grease," "Next to Normal," "Leading Ladies," and "Legally Blonde."

"This thrills me," Lechner said of the lineup. "The diversity of the shows we're bringing will appeal to a wide-range of people. If someone comes in for one show, they'll hopefully be drawn back to see more."

Aside from "Les Mis," Lechner said she's looking forward to "The Sound of Music."

"It's been 12 years since we've done it, so now it's ready to speak to a whole new generation."

The Youtheatre will offer four productions this year with: "The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley JR," "Godspell," "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" (which doubles as a Special Event), and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."

The additional Special Event will be the "New Year's Eve Gala Concert – Magical Movie Music."  

For show dates and information about the Playhouse, visit erieplayhouse.org or call the box office at 454.2852.