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Tubular sex, cross-dressers and American Idol: TUTS' new season is full of surprises
Someone at Theatre Under the Stars must have a thing for fashion because — so it seems — many of next season's shows have something to do with unusual footwear, colorful wearables and naughty accessories.
TUTS has announced its 2014-15 season, sponsored by CHI St. Luke's Health. The lineup of six shows offers a medley of darling stories, unlikely friendships and romantic troubles — reasons why we love musical theater in the first place.
Victor/Victoria (Sept. 16-28)
Many are familiar with the cross-dressing plot from the 1982 film that starred Julie Andrews. But when you consider that Victor Victoria is a modern version of a 1933 German flick, you can say that the original musical comedy was ahead of its time.
Blame a sassy gay friend for the complicated trysts that ensue. Victoria decides to reinvent herself as a man, a change that brings immediate success to her ill-fated career. All is going well until she falls in love with a butch mobster dude with a dippy ex.
Radio City Christmas Spectacular (Dec. 5-28)
TUTS partners with Gexa Energy Broadway at The Hobby Center to present this family holiday that was due for a comeback. Returning after a couple of years shy of a decade, the Rockettes inject high tech energy into its popular Radio City Christmas Spectacular. You may know the story, but five new numbers and a double-decker bus add spice to the production's seasonal flavor.
Kinky Boots (Feb. 10-22, 2015)
Leave it to the Brits to imagine a film about transvestite shoes saving the day. Music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein retell a high-heeled tale that surprised theater buffs when it earned six Tony Awards last year. Redemption from financial ruin is found in a group of girls who just want to have fun in the form of stilettos — described as two-and-a-half feet of irresistible tubular sex — suitable for male entertainers.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (March 17-29, 2015)
A blast from the biblical past comes alive in this 1968 Andrew Lloyd Webber musical whose genesis — get it? as in the book of — is inspired the colorful saga of Joseph, son of Israel. TUTS presents a new production that's headlined by American Idol Season Three runner up Diana DeGarmo (who's much classier than her screaming mess of a nemesis, winner Fantasia Barrino).
The Music Man (May 5-17, 2015)
Sing it. You know the tune: Seventy-six trombones led the big parade . . . (something, something, something). This iconic musical about troubles within a high school music program is a sparkling example of the golden age of American musical theater. Like eating a hot dog at a baseball game, the melodies just make you feel all good inside.
Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (May 26-June 7, 2015)
Another oldie but goodie, Rodgers and Hammerstein's setting of Cinderella, which began as a special written for television, took 56 years to finally get a spotlight on Broadway. This new adaptation, although it retains many of the beloved scenes, has some dramatic twists and turns.
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Season subscriptions start at $172 for a six-show package and can be purchased online or by calling Theatre Under the Stars at 713-558-TUTS (8887).