Broadway is bright next season at Wharton Center with the best of popular musicals, energetic comedies and hit dramas. Here's a glimpse at what's on stage beginning September 2006.
"Jesus Christ Superstar"
When: Sept. 22-24
Cost: $24-55
About: The rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber was introduced in 1971. The action follows the political and personal lives of Judas and Jesus.
Random Fact: It was condemned by some religious groups when it opened.
Song you'll be singing after the show: "Superstar"
"Pippin"
When: Oct. 17-22
Cost: $25-58
About: Charlemagne's oldest son searches for fulfillment in politics, sex and war before he finds what he really needs. Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics based on the book by Roger O. Hirson.
Random Fact: Schwartz also wrote the lyrics for the scores to "The Prince of Egypt" and Disney's "Pocahontas."
Song you'll be singing after the show: "No Time at All"
"Mamma Mia!"
When: Oct. 31-Nov. 5
Cost: $30-70
About: The show, which is entirely composed of ABBA music, is about a woman who wants to find her father to give her away at her wedding.
Random Fact: ABBA has sold more than 350 million records worldwide.
Song you'll be singing after the show: "Dancing Queen"
"Legends!"
When: Nov. 14-19
Cost: $25-58
About: It's a comedy by Tony Award-winning author James Kirkwood of "A Chorus Line." Two fueling movie stars played by Joan Collins and Linda Evans are tricked into starring in the same show.
Random Fact: Collins and Evans stared in "Dynasty" together. This is also a comeback tour for "Legends!," which debuted in the '80s and hasn't been seen since.
"All Shook Up"
When: Jan. 16-21
Cost: $25-58
About: A young girl who dreams of the open road has her dreams come true when Elvis Presley comes to town. The show is done entirely with Elvis' music.
Random Fact: Elvis had the greatest number of consecutive No. 1 hits of all time.
Song you'll be singing after the show: "Blue Suede Shoes"
"Rent"
When: April 6-7, 2007
Cost: $30-55
About: Young artists struggle with relationships, love, AIDS and being poor in New York.
Random Fact: The show's creator, Jonathan Larson, died just hours after the musical had its final dress rehearsal.
Song you'll be singing after the show: "Seasons of Love"
"Sweet Charity"
When: April 24-29, 2007
Cost: $30-68
About: Molly Ringwald stars as Charity Hope Valentine, an eternal optimist in New York City. Charity works in a dance club and has bad luck with relationships.
Random Fact: When Christina Applegate starred as Charity on Broadway, she broke her foot and Britney Spears was reportedly asked to replace her.
Song you'll be singing after the show: "Hey, Big Spender"
"Wicked"
When: July 11-22, 2007
Cost: $35-78
About: It's the story of the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West.
Random Fact: On Jan. 1, 2006, "Wicked" broke the record for the highest weekly box office gross in Broadway history, with $1,610,934.
Song you'll be singing after the show: "I'm Not That Girl"
Season tickets and multiple show packages are now on sale. Tickets to most Broadway shows will start six to eight weeks before opening night. For more information, call (800) WHARTON.
