The updated lineup includes, in chronological order: Legends of the 50s and 60s: Greatest Hits, June 18 - 27, 2021; Mamma Mia!, August 19 - 29, 2021; Ragtime, October 28 - November 7, 2021 and Billy Elliot the Musical, December 23, 2021 - January 2, 2022. New subscriptions are available starting January 1, 2021. Single tickets on sale in April 2021. Additional information for each production is listed below and more information may be found at MusicTheaterWorks.com.
“The global pandemic has affected so many arts organizations in countless ways including the cancelling of live performances in theatres for almost six months. Our performance line up reflects our hopes that we will be able to gather again in 2021,” said Music Theater Works Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan. “If necessary, Music Theatre Works will continue to update the schedule as necessary and appreciates all those who have been so generous in understanding this situation and their continued support. We also look forward to the season at our new performance home, working with a slate of incredible artists and, of course, seeing audiences inside a theatre in 2021 for these great productions.”
The updated 2021 season, as of October 1, includes:
Legends of the 50s and 60s: Greatest Hits
- June 18 - 27, 2021
- Co-Directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle A Dougan
- Co-Directed by Martin L Woods
Join Music Theater Works for an evening filled with beloved hits from the 50s and 60s. This flashback performance features the songs made famous by iconic names like Buddy Holly, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, The Temptations, and many others. This concert is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, helping audiences remember some favorite music memories from the past and introducing these artists and hits to a new generation.
Mamma Mia!
- August 19 - 29, 2021
- Book by Catherine Johnson
- Music and lyrics by Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson
- Directed by Justin Brill
- Music Directed by Linda Madonia
- Choreographed by Shanna VanDewerker
- Assistant Directed/Choreography by Emma Parssi
Audiences have been “having the time of their lives” with this musical since 1999. Mamma Mia! is about bride-to-be Sophie’s desire to have her father walk her down the aisle, but she must uncover who he is first. With a story consisting of an unsuspecting mother, two best friends and the magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, audiences will experience an evening filled with love, laughter and friendship.
Ragtime
- October 28 - November 7, 2021
- Book by Terrence McNally
- Music by Stephen Flaherty
- Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
- Directed by Stacey Flaster
- Assistant Directed by Audrey Billings-Stone
- Music Directed by Roger L. Bingaman
- Choreographer Jon Martinez
Music Theater Works brings this 13-time Tony Award-nominated musical with its rich, award-winning score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens — the lyricist and composer duo behind Once on This Island and Seussical to its stage. Ragtime, based on the E. L. Doctorow, tells the unforgettable story of an upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a young, daring Harlem musician living during the early years of the 20th century. Showcasing the great struggle that accompanies the American Dream and featuring some of the most well-known figures of the time, Ragtime tells the tale of three different individuals who desire a brighter future but must unite to achieve their goals.
Billy Elliot the Musical
- December 23, 2021 - January 2, 2022
- Music by Sir Elton John
- Book and Lyrics by Lee Hall
- Directed by Producing Artistic Director Kyle A Dougan
- Assistant Directed by Jos N. Banks
- Music Directed by Linda Madonia
- Choreographed by Clayton Cross
- Assistant Choreographed by Ariel Etena Triunfo
Boasting a Tony Award and an Olivier Award for Best Musical, Billy Elliot is based on the 2000 international smash-hit film and features a score by music legend Sir Elton John. Billy Elliot is an inspirational story about the power of being true to you, the unity of family, and the coming together of a community united by the 1984 UK miners’ strike. From the bleak, muggy streets of northern England to the bright stage lights of a London stage and a brighter tomorrow, Billy Elliot tells the story of a boy’s desire to express himself through dance and is the inspirational story about the power of being true to yourself, the unity of family and the coming together of a community during the UK miners’ strike in 1984.
ABOUT MUSIC THEATER WORKS
Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater founded in 1980. During its 40-year history it has presented more than 150 productions and intimate presentations. Music Theater Works is a professional theater company whose mission is to present works for the musical stage including historic repertoire, revitalizing the Golden Age of Broadway and earlier works, celebrating the Great American Songbook and introducing modern classics. The company uses collaborations among theaters, other artistic disciplines, social service agencies, local business, educational institutions and others to create music theater for the 21st century.
Audiences know that at Music Theater Works they will experience musical theater, which is often unavailable on the stages of commercial theaters and opera houses, in beautiful, colorful modern productions with professional artists and live orchestra.
Music Theater Works 2021 season sponsor is Joyce Ruth Saxon.
Some of the Creatives for the 2021 Music Theater Works Season
First Row: (L to R) Jos N. Banks, (assistant director, Billy Elliot the Musical), Audrey Billings-Stone (assistant director, Ragtime), Roger Bingaman (music director, Ragtime) and Justin Brill, (director, Mamma Mia!)
Second Row: (L to R) Clayton Cross (choreography, Billy Elliot the Musical), Producing Artistic Director Kyle A. Dougan (co-director, Legends of the 50s and 60s: Greatest Hits; director, Billy Elliot the Musical), Stacey Flaster (director, Ragtime) and Linda Madonia (music director, Mamma Mia!; music director, Billy Elliot the Musical)
Third Row: (L to R) Jon Martinez (choreography, Ragtime) Emma Parssi (assistant director and choreography, Mamma Mia!) Ariel Etana Triunfo (assistant choreography, Billy Elliot the Musical), Shanna VanDerwerker (choreography, Mamma Mia!) and Martin L. Woods (co-director, Legends of the 50s and 60s: Greatest Hits)
