Best of Broadway bringing back ‘Phantom’ to Spokane

A redesigned “Phantom of the Opera,” the Tony Award-winning smashes “Kinky Boots” and “Pippin,” the Carole King jukebox musical “Beautiful” and the classic “Cinderella” are coming to Spokane for the 2016-17 Best of Broadway season.

The season, presented by West Coast Entertainment and announced Tuesday morning, also will feature the special engagements of “Annie,” “Mamma Mia,” the Beatles tribute “Rain” and Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band.

“Phantom,” which went off tour in recent years, has been retooled with upgraded technology, a new scenic design and new choreography, said WCE spokeswoman Lerria Schuh. “The production, overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier,” she said in an email. “The beloved story and thrilling score … will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this ‘Phantom’ one of the largest productions now on tour.”

“Phantom” will be the season’s final show, a two-week engagement running June 28-July 9, 2017. The season will open this fall with “Beautiful” Nov. 8-13. “Pippin,” which won the 2013 Tony for best musical revival, will run Jan. 12-15, 2017. “Kinky Boots,” which won six Tonys in 2013 and was written by Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper, will hit town Feb. 28-March 4, followed by “Cinderella,” from May 11-14.

Three of these shows, “Phantom,” “Kinky Boots” and “Beautiful,” are currently running on Broadway.

The Big Phat Band concert, held in conjunction with the Jazz Dialogue Festival at Eastern Washington University, will be Nov. 18. “Annie” will return to town Feb. 4-5, followed by “Rain” on Feb. 26. “Mamma Mia” takes the stage March 22-23.

Also, for the third year, WCE will bring National Geographic Live to Spokane. This season’s multimedia lecture series will feature photojournalist Ami Vitale’s “Rhinos, Rickshaws and Revolutions” on Oct. 26, underwater photographer Brian Skerry on “Ocean Soul” on Feb. 8, mountaineer Hilaree O’Neill’s “Point of No Return” on March 15, and Charlie Hamilton James’ “I Bought a Rainforest” on April 26, 2017.

All performances will be at the INB Performing Arts Center, 334 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. Season ticket packages for new and renewing subscribers are on sale now by calling (800) 843-4667 or online at wcebroadway.com. Individual shows will go on sale this summer.