Before making it big on Broadway, the musical Hairspray began at Seattle's 5th Avenue. Now the Tony Award-winning success brings back its national tour company for a Sept. 7-26 run.
Next up at the Emerald City venue will be the Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller musical revue Smokey Joe's Café celebrating the legendary songwriting team. Songs the team penned, including "Jailhouse Rock," "Love Potion #9," "On Broadway," "Kansas City," "Spanish Harlem," "Yakety Yak," "Hound Dog," "Don't Be Cruel" and "Stand by Me," are all featured in the show set to play Oct. 19-Nov. 7.
Cathy Rigby — known for her high-flying performance in the title role — will play the boy who wouldn't grow up one last time in her farewell tour of Peter Pan. The national tour staging will land in Seattle, Dec. 1-19, marking the 100th anniversary of the classic James M. Barrie tale of young Peter, Captain Hook and Never Never Land.
Gene Kelly starred in the memorable title dance sequence in "Singin' in the Rain." Now the city known for its rainfall gets the MGM film showered upon the stage Feb. 13-March 5, 2005. The romantic comedy set in 1927 Hollywood centers around an actress dubbing the voice of a well-known silent film star.
The long-running Broadway musical Miss Saigon heats up the 5th Avenue stage April 5-24, 2005. The show includes the songs "The Heat is on in Saigon," "The Last Night of the World" and "The American Dream." Ending the 2004-2005 season will be the national tour of We Will Rock You, May 31-June 19, 2005. Rock band Queen's greatest hits come to life on stage in the London hit show. Among the classic rock songs are "We Are the Champions," "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Another One Bites the Dust," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" and "Somebody to Love."
The 5th Avenue Theatre will also offer a season extra with the "Sing-A-Long Sound Of Music" — an audience-participation family-friendly presentation of the movie musical. The show has become a holiday tradition, returning for its fourth year. Dates are to be decided.
Subscription packages to the 5th Avenue season are available by calling (206) 621 PLAY, at box office (1308 5th Avenue in downtown Seattle, WA) or online at www.5thavenuetheatre.org.
