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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘Phantom’ tops lineup on INB stage

“The Phantom of the Opera” will return to Spokane in the 2008-‘09 Best of Broadway season along with “Spamalot,” “The Color Purple” and “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”

In an announcement Wednesday, WestCoast Entertainment President Jack Lucas called this season one of the strongest in the 21-year history of this Broadway touring series.

“The Phantom of the Opera” set a Spokane stage record in 2000 by selling 83,000 tickets in a four-week run at the INB Performing Arts Center (then called the Spokane Opera House), a record beaten only by “The Lion King” in 2005.

This time, “Phantom” will have a three-week run at the INB.

As part of Wednesday’s announcement, Stephen Tewksbury made a surprise appearance on the INB stage to sing “Phantom’s” signature tune, “Music of the Night.”

“They flew me out from Omaha last night and will fly me back tonight,” said Tewksbury, who has been playing the lead role since November.

An understudy filled in for Tewksbury in Omaha while he was gone.

The series’ full lineup is as follows:

“The Phantom of the Opera”: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s passionate love story, now in its 20th year on Broadway. Oct. 8-26.

“The Color Purple”: The Tony-nominated musical based on the novel and movie of the same name, in a show produced and presented by Oprah Winfrey. Dec. 10-14.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’ “: The Fats Waller musical starring Ruben Studdard, of “American Idol” fame. March 19-22, 2009.

“Spamalot”: The Tony-winning musical version of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” complete with flying cows and killer rabbits. May 5-10, 2009.

All of the above are at the INB Performing Arts Center and are part of the Best of Broadway season.

The following shows are optional add-ons to the subscription package:

The Capitol Steps: The political parody group, satirizing the election campaigns. Sept. 20, INB Performing Arts Center.

“Annie”: The classic family musical about the lovable orphan and her dog. Two shows on Jan. 31, 2009, INB Performing Arts Center.

“Defending the Caveman”: The one-man play about the battle of the sexes and the longest-running solo play ever on Broadway. March 20-21, 2009, Bing Crosby Theater.

Subscriptions for both current and new subscribers are on sale now, ranging from $127.50 to $228.50, through TicketsWest outlets – (509) 325-SEAT, (800) 325-SEAT and www.ticketswest.com. Tickets to individual shows will go on sale on a date to be announced later.