THE LONGEST RUNNING SHOW IN BROADWAY HISTORY!
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD-WINNING MUSICAL
Directed by Harold Prince Returning to the
INB Performing Arts Center
in Spokane!
OCTOBER 8-25, 2008
Tickets On Sale Friday May 16th, 2008!
The Cameron Mackintosh/Really Useful Theatre Company, Inc. production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, directed by Harold Prince, returns to the INB Performing Arts Center in Spokane beginning October 8 through October 25, 2008. The press opening night is October 10, 2008. Tickets are to go on sale to the public Friday, May 16, 2008 at the Spokane Arena box office, 700 W. Mallon, Spokane WA 99201, all TicketsWest outlets, online at ticketswest.com or call (800) 325-SEAT. Group orders of 20 or more may be placed by calling (509) 777-6253 or email groups@bestofbroadwayspokane.com
With worldwide grosses estimated at over $5 billion, The Phantom of the Opera is the most successful entertainment venture of the twentieth century, surpassing such blockbuster films as Titanic, Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park and Star Wars. The winner of seven Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, The Phantom of the Opera has been seen by over 80 million people in 124 cities in 25 countries. Worldwide, the show consistently plays to larger audiences and in longer engagements than any other musical in history. On January 9, 2006, The Phantom of the Opera became the longest-running show in Broadway history surpassing Cats’ record-holding run of 7,485 performances. The show celebrated an unprecedented milestone on January 26, 2008 when it reached its twentieth anniversary on Broadway.
Based on the classic novel Le Fantôme de l’Opéra by Gaston Leroux, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a masked figure who lurks beneath the catacombs of the Paris Opera House, exercising a reign of terror over all who inhabit it. He falls madly in love with an innocent young soprano, Christine, and devotes himself to creating a new star by nurturing her extraordinary talents and by employing all of the devious methods at his command.
The Phantom of the Opera had its world premiere on October 9, 1986 at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London, winning every major British theatre award including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards. The New York production opened on January 26, 1988 with a then-record advance of $18 million. The musical went on to sweep the 1988 Tony Awards, winning seven, including Best Musical. The Phantom of the Opera also won seven Drama Desk Awards and three Outer Critics Circle Awards. The original London cast recording was the first in British musical history to enter the charts at number one. It has since gone both gold and platinum in Britain and the United States, selling over 25 million copies.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA IN SPOKANE
The Phantom of the Opera will play October 8 through October 25, 2008. Performances are Tuesday through Thursday evenings at 7:30pm, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00pm, Sunday evenings at 6:30pm, and matinee performances on Thursday and Sunday at 1:00pm and Saturday at 2:00pm.
Ticket prices range from $15.00 to $68.00 to go on sale at the Spokane Arena box office, 700 W. Mallon, Spokane WA 99201, all TicketsWest outlets, online at ticketswest.com or call (800) 325-SEAT on Friday, May 16, 2008. Group orders of 20 or more may be placed by calling (509) 777-6253.
The Spokane engagement of The Phantom of the Opera is presented by WestCoast Entertainment’s Best of Broadway Spokane series. Visit the official The Phantom of the Opera website at www.thephantomoftheopera.com or the Best of Broadway Spokane official website at bestofbroadwayspokane.com for more information.
WestCoast Entertainment thanks dedicated sponsors from KXLY, Sterling Savings Bank, The Pacific Northwest Inlander, Red Lion Hotels, Lawton Printing, River Park Square, and the Coeur D’Alene Casino. Without their support, the 2008-2009 Best of Broadway Season would not be possible.
About WestCoast Entertainment
WestCoast Entertainment and TicketsWest are part of the entertainment division of Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH). WestCoast Entertainment promotes and arranges presentations of a variety of entertainment productions. TicketsWest engages in event ticket distribution throughout the United States and offers ticketing inventory management systems, call center services, and outlet and electronic channel distribution.
About Red Lion Hotels Corporation
Red Lion Hotels Corporation is a hospitality and leisure company primarily engaged in the ownership, operation and franchising of midscale and upscale, full service hotels under its Red Lion® brand. As of March 31, 2007 the Red Lion Hotel network was comprised of 57 hotels located in eight states and one Canadian province, with 10,001 rooms and 503,529 square feet of meeting space. The company also owns and operates an entertainment and event ticket distribution business. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.redlion.com.
WESTCOAST ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCES
2008-09 BEST OF BROADWAY SERIES
to include
THREE WEEK ENGAGEMENT OF
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
February 20, 2008 – Spokane, Washington: WestCoast Entertainment, a division of Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE:RLH), announced today that the 2008-09 Best of Broadway Series will include a three week engagement of “The Phantom of the Opera” this October at the INB Performing Arts Center in Spokane. Oprah Winfrey’s “The Color Purple”, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” starring 2003 American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard, and winner of three Tony Awards, Monty Python’s “Spamalot” complete the Broadway series. Optional productions of “Capitol Steps”, “Annie”, and “Defending the Caveman” will also be presented by WestCoast Entertainment.
“We have not presented a stronger season in over 10 years. The Phantom of the Opera will return to Spokane this fall for an extended, three-week engagement. Each of our other 2008-09 series productions are first national tours, meaning there have been no other tours of the same productions in North America.” stated Jack G. Lucas, President, WestCoast Entertainment. “The quality of these productions is incomparable, and we are pleased to bring this series to region.”
According to The Broadway League, for every $1 spent on a theatre ticket, $3 are spent in the local economy. The 2008-09 Best of Broadway season will contribute an estimated $15 million in economic impact to the local economy in the form of hotel reservations, restaurant and shopping revenues and spending on other local services.
SERIES PRODUCTION INFORMATION (those productions included with series tickets):
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
October 8 – 26th, 2008 – three week engagement
With some of the most lavish sets, costumes and special effects ever to have been created for the stage, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Phantom of the Opera,” directed by Harold Prince, traces the tragic love story of a beautiful opera singer and a young composer shamed by his physical appearance into a shadowy existence beneath the majestic Paris Opera House. Adapted from Gaston Leroux’s classic novel of mystery and suspense, this award-winning musical has woven its magical spell over standing room audiences in more than 100 cities worldwide and is now the longest running show in Broadway history.
THE COLOR PURPLE
December 10 – 14, 2008
Oprah Winfrey Presents THE COLOR PURPLE, a soul-stirring musical based on the classic Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Alice Walker and the Oscar-nominated film by Steven Spielberg. It is the unforgettable and inspiring story of a woman named Celie, who triumphs over tremendous odds to find joy in life, and her true inner beauty. Nominated for eleven Tony® Awards, THE COLOR PURPLE is a landmark theatrical event. With a joyous GRAMMY®-nominated score featuring jazz, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is capturing the hearts of young and old, and uniting audiences in a celebration of love.
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’, starring 2003 American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard
March 19 – 22, 2009
The 30th Anniversary Tour of the 1978 Tony Award-winning Best Musical AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ stars 2003 American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard and Frenchie Davis, 2003 American Idol contestant and star of RENT on Broadway. The outrageously prodigious comic and musical soul of 1930’s Harlem is showcased in this rollicking, swinging, finger-snapping revue that is still considered one of Broadway’s most well-crafted shows of all time – sometimes sassy, sometimes sultry, with moments of heartwarming beauty. Ain’t Misbehavin’ is simply unforgettable!
SPAMALOT
May 5 – 10, 2009
Winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot is the outrageous new musical comedy lovingly ripped off from the film classic "Monty Python and The Holy Grail." Directed by Tony Award-winner Mike Nichols, with a book by Eric Idle and music and lyrics by the Grammy Award-winning team of Mr. Idle and John Du Prez, Spamalot tells the tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail. Flying cows, killer rabbits, taunting Frenchmen and show-stopping musical numbers are just a few of the reasons audiences everywhere are eating up Spamalot.
OPTIONAL PRODUCTION INFORMATION
Capitol Steps
Saturday, September 20, 2008 – 8pm
In a year of politics, The Capitol Steps will return to the INB Performing Arts Center for an evening of political satire. Utilizing the latest in politics headlines, these Capitol Hill staffers turned comedian entertainers will push fun at the very system that used to employ them.
Annie
Saturday, January 31, 2009 – 1pm and 6:30pm
Leapin’ lizards! Annie is coming to Spokane! The timeless tale of Little Orphan Annie is back, giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including “It’s the Hard-Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “N.Y.C.” and the ever-optimistic “Tomorrow,” Annie is a delightful theatrical experience for the entire family. Don’t miss this all-new production that Variety calls “a winner!”
DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN
March 20 – 21, 2009 – performed at The Bing Cosby Theater
Defending the Caveman, the longest running solo play in Broadway history, is now a worldwide rock-solid tour de force that has won the hearts of millions in over 30 countries, and it’s sure to win yours.
The “outrageously funny and surprisingly sweet exploration of the gender gap” (Chicago Sun Times) has made Defending the Caveman “a comic phenomenon.” (New York Times) A hilariously insightful play about the ways men and women relate, Caveman has both sexes roaring with laughter and recognition. Affectionate nudging between audience members occurs during the performance as they recognize themselves in the stories being told on stage.
Subscription orders for both current and new subscribers will begin on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 1 p.m. Season ticket prices range from $228.50 - $127.50. Individual ticket prices and on-sale dates will be announced later this spring. Season tickets can be ordered in person at the Spokane Arena Box Office, or by calling 325-SEAT. Order forms are available on-line at www.ticketswest.com and www.bestofbroadwayspokane.com.
Groups of 20 or more may begin purchasing tickets on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at 1 p.m. in person at the WestCoast Entertainment offices located at the RLH Building, W. 201 North River Drive, Suite 180, or by calling 509-777-6253. Information on groups is located at www.bestofbroadwayspokane.com.
WestCoast Entertainment thanks dedicated sponsors from KXLY, Sterling Savings Bank, The Pacific Northwest Inlander, Red Lion Hotels, Lawton Printing, River Park Square, and the Coeur D’Alene Casino. Without their support, the 2008-2009 Best of Broadway Season would not be possible.
About WestCoast Entertainment
WestCoast Entertainment and TicketsWest are part of the entertainment division of Red Lion Hotels Corporation (NYSE: RLH). WestCoast Entertainment promotes and arranges presentations of a variety of entertainment productions. TicketsWest engages in event ticket distribution throughout the United States and offers ticketing inventory management systems, call center services, and outlet and electronic channel distribution.
About Red Lion Hotels Corporation
Red Lion Hotels Corporation is a hospitality and leisure company primarily engaged in the ownership, operation and franchising of upscale and midscale hotels under its Red Lion® brand. As of December 31, 2007 the RLH hotel network was comprised of 53 hotels located in eight states and one Canadian province, with 9,388 rooms and 472,529 square feet of meeting space. The company also owns and operates an entertainment and event ticket distribution business. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.redlion.com.
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