April 7, 2015

Paul Hyde, phyde@greenvillenews.com 7:07 p.m. EDT April 1, 2015

A record nine shows, the most in the Peace Center's 25-year history, are planned for the 2015-16 Broadway Series — seven musicals as a part of the regular series, plus two special return engagements.

The national tours of "Disney's Newsies" and "Matilda the Musical" — two shows about youthful gumption — will arrive at the Peace Center next season for week-long runs.

Other new shows coming to the series include "Dirty Dancing," "Motown the Musical" and "The Bridges of Madison County."

Returning favorites include "Cabaret," "The Sound of Music," "Jersey Boys" and the 20th anniversary tour of "Riverdance."

Megan Riegel, the Peace Center's president and CEO, announced the full lineup Wednesday evening from the stage of the Peace Center before a cheering crowd of more than 1,000.

"This is the Peace Center's biggest season yet," Riegel said. "I think we've got a really great mix of shows next year."

Plus, as an added incentive to subscribers, Riegel announced that "The Lion King" would return in the 2016-17 season. Subscribers get first dibs on the best seats.

Among the newer shows coming to the Peace Center for the first time, some are Tony Award winners. "Disney's Newsies" tells the story of a band of paperboys who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York City.

The critically acclaimed "Matilda the Musical," based on the beloved book by Roald Dahl, centers on an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.

"The Bridges of Madison County," adapted from Robert James Waller's best-selling novel, is about a lonely Italian woman living in Iowa and who has a passionate affair with a photographer.

Here's the complete lineup for the Peace Center's 2015-16 Broadway Series:

"Dirty Dancing — The Classic Story on Stage." (Sept. 29-Oct. 4)

"Motown The Musical." (Nov. 24-29)

"Disney's Newsies." (Dec. 29-Jan. 3)

"Matilda the Musical." (Feb. 2-7, 2016)

"Cabaret." (March 15-20, 2016)

"The Sound of Music." (April 20-24, 2016)

"The Bridges of Madison County." (July 19-24, 2016)

In addition to the seven shows that are part of the season package, the Peace Center will present two special options:

"Jersey Boys." (Oct. 27-Nov. 1)

"Riverdance — The 20th Anniversary World Tour." (June 28-July 3, 2016)

The ever-popular "Riverdance" is returning for its fifth run at the Peace Center since 1999 while "Cabaret," "The Sound of Music," "Jersey Boys" and "The Lion King" are returning for a second time.

Even before the 2015-16 season begins, two national touring productions have yet to arrive as a part of this year's Broadway Series: "Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella" (August 4-9) and "Kinky Boots" (Sept. 1-6).

The current season, which included a sold-out run of "The Book of Mormon," has shattered many past records.

"It's been an amazing Broadway Series." Riegel said. "'Book of Mormon' was sold out and 'Wicked' was almost sold out."

For the 2015-16 Broadway Series, seven-show season ticket packages are available now to renewing and new subscribers. Ticket packages including "Riverdance" and/or "Jersey Boys" are also available. Season ticket packages may be purchased by calling the Peace Center at 864-467-3000 or 800-888-7768, in person at the Peace Center box office or online at www.peacecenter.org.

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