Wharton Center announces its 2019-20 season, which is a collection of new Broadway shows, popular returns and the very best in performing arts. The season promises to entertain, educate and spark meaningful conversations, all with Wharton's promise in mind: to inspire the mind and move the soul.
"It's exciting," said Mike Brand, executive director of Wharton Center. "I think you'll notice the season has a theme centering around human connectiveness. It starts with our first Broadway blockbuster, "Come From Away," and continues all the way through the end of the seeason with "Dear Evan Hansen." This season will absolutely get people talking and sharing stories, and that's exactly what we want!"
The 2019-20 Broadway at Wharton season includes four Tony Award winning Wharton premieres: "Come from Away," Disney's "Aladdin," Lerner and Loewe's "My Fair Lady," and the winner of the 2017 Tony for Best Musical "Dear Evan Hansen." Adding to this lineup is the return of Wharton Center's most popular Broadway attractions: "Les Miserables" and "Wicked."
Wharton Center continues to focus on diversity in programming with a multitude of performing arts attractions. Audiences will get a chance to experience everything from the "Academy of St. Martin in the Fields," directed by world-renowned violinist Joshua Bell to vocal powerhouse and Wharton Center favorite Storm Large, who will team up with five-time Grammy nominated artist Michael Feinstein in Shaken and Stirred; jazz master Kenny Barron, whom the LA Times calls "one of the top jazz pianists in the world," returns after more than 10 years with trio partners Kiyoshi Kitagawa on bass and Jonathan Blake on drums.
The ever-popular "Reduced Shakespeare Company" returns for an irreverent, fast-paced romp through all of Shakespeare's comedies, histories and tragedies in one wild ride; dance fans will celebrate the return of the internationally-renowned dance company "Pilobolus" and their extraordinary mind-blowing athleticism
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet will bring to life the classic story "The Wizard of Oz." The Act One Family Series includes everything from classic favorites such as "Jungle Book" to a new musical based on The New York Times #1 bestselling series "Dog Man: The Musical."
Patrons can request a brochure by calling 1-800-WHARTON. Interactive brochures are online at whartoncenter.com. For a complete list of the 2019-20 season lineup, visit the Wharton Center website.