Amy Stumpfl

FOR USA TODAY NETWORK – TENNESSEE

The announcement of a new theater season is always exciting. But for Kathleen O’Brien, president and CEO of the nonprofit Tennessee Performing Arts Center, curating the annual HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series feels like an especially satisfying celebration. And the 2017-18 lineup just announced — which features an impressive mix of contemporary hits and beloved classics — is no exception.

“It feels like Christmas morning — all these wonderful surprises coming together,” O’Brien says. “When it comes to putting together a great season, there are so many moving parts and pieces. But the good news for our subscribers is that there are some great shows out there right now. That allows for an amazing variety of shows and experiences, including a number of first-year tours.”

O’Brien points to the 2015 Tony Award-winning Best Musical “Fun Home” and Sara Bareilles’ hit musical “Waitress” as prime examples.

“Both of these shows take on some rather tough elements and important themes, but they do it in a way that’s so fresh, so touching,” she says. “In both cases, the music is just beautiful, and really speaks to the human experience in a unique and powerful way.”

The same is true of “An American in Paris,” the Tony Award-winning musical inspired by the classic Gene Kelly film and set to the unforgettable music of George and Ira Gershwin.

“Dance is such a sacred part of this show, that (director/choreographer) Christopher Wheeldon set out to cast dancers who could sing and act, as opposed to actors who could sing and dance. For anyone that loves the movie, this gorgeous musical is a special treat.”

Of course, the season boasts a number of critically acclaimed classics, including Roundabout Theatre Company’s Tony Award-winning production of “Cabaret” and The Lincoln Center’s lavish Tony-winning revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I.”

“These are the kinds of shows that you want to see again and again,” O’Brien says. “There’s a reason we call them classics, but it’s always exciting to see them return with a fresh new approach or design.”

Thanks to TPAC’s Broadway Special Add-ons, audiences also will enjoy the return of blockbuster hits such as “Wicked,” “Jersey Boys” and “Les Misérables.” (“Wicked” will be at TPAC March 28-April 22, 2018, with April 3-8 featured as part of the regular season.)

But along with these familiar titles, TPAC remains committed to supporting new works. And in September, TPAC will present a new American musical called “Part of the Plan” as part of its Broadway series.

Featuring an original story scored with the music of the late singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg, “Part of the Plan” follows three decades in the lives of an adopted boy and the privileged young woman who was forced to give him up. The piece explores tender themes of love and loss through the lens of popular Fogelberg songs, including “Same Auld Lang Syne,” “Longer” and “Leader of the Band.”

“We first met Dan’s widow, Jean, and his longtime producer Norbert Putnam here in Nashville back in February 2011,” says Kate Atkinson, a Los Angeles-based independent film writer/producer, who co-wrote the musical’s book with Karen Harris. “Dan had so many connections to the city — it just seemed like the right place. We walked out of that meeting with a commitment and never looked back. And we were thrilled to meet Kathleen O’Brien, who’s as passionate about Dan’s music as we are. We had a staged reading in Nashville last September, and after that TPAC committed to get involved as co-producer — it’s been an incredible journey.”

“We’ve been amazed by the response,” adds Harris, an Emmy-winning writer/producer. “Dan has so many fans in Nashville. But it was really important to everyone that we preserved the integrity of his music, and that the music served the story. We didn’t want to do a tribute show — we wanted to go deeper than that, thematically.”

And that was part of the appeal for TPAC’s O’Brien.

“I’ve known and loved Dan’s work for years, but I was especially touched by this poignant story,” she says. “We’re so pleased to be co-producing ‘Part of the Plan,’ and love the idea of supporting Dan’s legacy and bringing his music to a whole new generation of fans. The talent represented in this cast is amazing. That’s one of the things I value most — being able to bring our audience the best talent, from Nashville and beyond.”

The 2017-18 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC Season

“Part of the Plan” (Sept. 12-24, 2017). This brand new musical — featuring the songs of the late singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg — takes us through three decades in the lives of an adopted boy and the privileged young woman who was forced to give him up. This world premiere marks the first time that TPAC will present a developmental production as part of its Broadway season.

“Fun Home” (Oct. 10-15, 2017). Based on the best-selling graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel and set in a funeral home, this groundbreaking new musical, which finds Alison unraveling the various mysteries of her childhood, earned five 2015 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

“An American in Paris” (Oct. 31-Nov. 5, 2017). Inspired by the classic Gene Kelly film and set to the unforgettable music of George and Ira Gershwin, this Tony Award-winning musical, featuring direction/choreography by Christopher Wheeldon, follows an American soldier and a mysterious French woman in the aftermath of World War II.

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The King and I” (Jan. 30-Feb. 4, 2018). The Lincoln Center’s gorgeous Tony Award-winning revival showcases some of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s best-loved songs, including “Getting To Know You,” “Shall We Dance” and “Something Wonderful.”

“Cabaret” (Feb. 27-March 4, 2018). Based on Roundabout Theatre Company’s Tony Award-winning production, this Kander and Ebb classic is set against the rise of the Nazi Party in 1930s Berlin. Featuring unforgettable songs, including “Cabaret,” “Willkommen” and “Maybe This Time.”

“Wicked” (April 3-8, 2018). Back by popular demand, this blockbuster musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman chronicles the unlikely friendship between the emerald-skinned Elphaba and the fair-haired Glinda — before they became the Witches of Oz.

“Waitress the Musical” (June 5-10, 2018). Inspired by the 2007 indie hit film about a small-town waitress and pie maker looking to reimagine her life, this irresistible new show features original music/lyrics by six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson and direction by Tony-winner Diane Paulus.

“Love Never Dies” (June 19-24, 2018). Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spellbinding sequel to “The Phantom of the Opera” revisits the Phantom and Christine 10 years later — amid the mysterious and glittering world of Coney Island.

2017-18 Broadway Special Add-ons

In addition to the regular lineup, season subscribers may choose to add performances from these highly anticipated engagements:

Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” (Aug. 1-7, 2017). Based on the beloved story by Hans Christian Andersen and the hit animated film, this charming musical features familiar Alan Menken songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World.”

“Les Misérables” (Nov. 14-19, 2017). Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Victor Hugo’s epic tale of mercy and redemption returns in this stunning new production from Cameron Mackintosh.

“Jersey Boys” (Jan. 9-14, 2018). The remarkable rags-to-riches story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons returns to Nashville, with big hits like “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night).”

“The Illusionists — Live From Broadway” (Feb. 16-18, 2018). Showcasing the astonishing talents of five of the most incredible illusionists on earth, this action-packed show has dazzled audiences worldwide.

“Wicked” (March 28-April 22, 2018). This popular title will be available as part of the HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC season April 3-8, then available for three additional weeks as a special add-on.

Tickets

Season tickets and group tickets are now available. The cost of an eight-show season package for the 2017-18 HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series starts at $263. Season ticket holders save up to 25 percent, versus purchasing each show individually. New this year, patrons can purchase a flex package of four or more shows in the series. Monthly payment options are available. Individual show tickets go on sale approximately 8-10 weeks prior to the performance. For more information, visit TPAC.org/Broadway, or call 615-782-6560 or 1-800-410-4216. For group sales, call 615-782-4060. TPAC is at 505 Deaderick St., Nashville.