Grand Rapids Civic Theatre officially announced its 2020-21 season on Friday. The season features eight productions, including five musicals, a classic comedy, and two plays.
For its 95th season, Civic Theatre will feature Shakespeare in Love, Getting to Know…Cinderella, The Sound of Music, Rumors, Kinky Boots, Dragons Love Tacos, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.
“It’s an honor to announce our 95th season,” said Executive and Artistic Director Bruce Tinker. “There’s something for every theatre-goer this year: new musicals, classic favorites, wonderful youth productions, and some material that’s new to Civic Theatre audiences.”
Season subscriptions for Civic’s 2020-21 season are on sale now, and special early bird pricing is available from now through April 30th. Subscriptions start at just $25 per ticket. Patrons may order by visiting Civic’s website at grct.org or by calling the box office at 616-222-6650.

Shakespeare In Love
September 11th – 27th, 2020
Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall.
Based on the Screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard.
Young William Shakespeare finds love and pens the world’s most famous romantic story in this uproarious comedy based on the Academy Award-
winning film.

Young Will Shakespeare has writer's block. The deadline (and the creditors) for his new play are closing in, and he's in desperate need of inspiration. Will finds his muse in Viola, a young woman who will stop at nothing to appear in his next play. Despite Will’s ruthless adversaries and a dysfunctional theatrical company, he and Viola’s love blossoms and inspires his greatest masterpiece. Rated PG-13 for language, alcohol use, and sexual situations.

Getting to Know*…
Cinderella
October 16th – 25th, 2020
Music by Richard Rodgers. Book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
When her father unexpectedly dies, young Cinderella finds herself at the
mercy of her cruel stepmother and her scheming stepsisters. Never one to
give up hope, Ella's fortunes begin to change after meeting a dashing
stranger. The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium. As adapted for the stage, with great warmth and more than a touch of hilarity, this enthralling fairy tale still warms the hearts of children and adults alike.
*In this specially created Getting to Know…version, all the beloved songs and familiar characters are present and accounted for. However, the entire script has been condensed to better suit young attention spans, and the plot has been slightly altered to highlight some important lessons for contemporary audiences.
Rated G.

The Sound of Music
November 20th – December 20th, 2020
Music by Richard Rodgers. Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. Suggested by The Trapp Family Singers by Maria Augusta Trapp. A timeless story, iconic music, and memorable characters come together in this Civic Theatre holiday tradition for the whole family.

Salzburg, Austria. 1938. Nazi Germany prepares to begin the Second World War. While she takes time to decide whether she wishes to become a nun, Maria takes a job as governess to a large family. She falls in love with the children, and eventually their widowed father, Captain von Trapp. After the Anschluss, von Trapp is ordered to accept a commission in the German navy, but he and Maria execute a plan to flee Austria with the children. A legendary musical score and a family that will sing their way into your heart make for an experience you and your family will not want to miss.
Rated G.

Rumors
January 15th – 31st, 2021
by Neil Simon.
Four couples arrive to celebrate a wedding anniversary and experience a
severe attack of farce in this hilarious comedy.

At a large, tastefully appointed Sneden's Landing townhouse, four couples with many secrets plan to celebrate a wedding anniversary. Upon their arrival, they find the Deputy Mayor of New York wounded and his wife missing. Everyone scrambles to get their own stories straight before anyone
finds out.
Rated PG for mild language and alcohol use.

Kinky Boots
February 26th – March 21st, 2021
Music and Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. Book by Harvey Fierstein. Based on the Miramax motion picture of the same name, written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth.
Charlie, a straight-laced business owner, and Lola, an ambitious drag
performer, overcome their differences and discover that if you change your
mind, you can change the world. Charlie Price reluctantly inherits his family’s failing shoe factory. Uninspired by the work but desperate
to succeed, Charlie forms an unlikely partnership with cabaret performer and drag queen Lola. Together, they produce a line of custom high-heeled boots to save the business. In the process, Charlie and Lola discover that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible. Inspired
by true events, Kinky Boots, winner of six 2013 Tony Awards (including Best Musical) features a joyous score by Cyndi Lauper and a hilarious, inspiring book by Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein.
Rated PG-13 for adult themes and language.

Dragons Love Tacos
April 23rd – May 2nd, 2021
Written by Ernie Nolan.
Based on the Book by Adam Rubin and Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri.
Published by Penguin Group.
What happens when you invite a flock of dragons to a taco party with spicy
jalapeno salsa? Find out in this imaginative theatrical adventure based on
the popular children’s book.

The mind-blowing, earth-shattering, tantalizing secrets of dragons revealed! What could go wrong when you give a dragon spicy salsa? EVERYTHING. The #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon comes to life in an enchanting way as the taco party of all taco parties literally brings down the house. This deliciously funny story will have you laughing out loud and wishing you read the fine print more closely: Now Made with Spicy Jalapeno Peppers. This hilarious, dance-filled journey into the field of Dragonology is equal parts ridiculous and delicious, and has all the ingredients for a fantastic time! Rated G.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame
June 4th – 27th, 2021
Music by Alan Menken. Lyrics by Stephen Scwhartz. Book by Peter Parnell.
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film. Originally
developed by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Victor Hugo’s enduring tale of Quasimodo and Esmerelda is supported by
soaring voices from West Michigan church and community choirs in this
musical adaptation of the animated film.

The legendary bells of Notre Dame sound throughout 15th century Paris. Quasimodo, the indentured bellringer, longs to be a part of the city and escapes his devious caretaker, archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo. On the streets of Paris, however, his physical differences make Quasimodo the victim of cruelty by everyone except the beautiful gypsy, Esmerelda. Quasimodo isn’t the only one captivated by her free spirit, though – the handsome Captain Phoebus and Frollo are equally enthralled. As Quasimodo, Phoebus, and Frollo all vie for her attention, Frollo embarks on a mission to destroy the gypsies – and it’s up to Quasimodo to save them all.
Rated PG for adult themes and situations.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
July 23rd – August 1st, 2021
Dramatized by Joseph Robinette. Based on the classic story by C.S. Lewis.
Four siblings join the great lion Aslan to fulfill their destiny as they battle
the White Witch for the fate of Narnia.

When a game of hide and seek forces Peter, Susan, Edmond, and Lucy Pevensive to enter a wardrobe, they accidentally discover a gateway to the magical land of Narnia. There’s much to love in this otherworldly place, but also a world of conflict. Chases, duels, and escapes ensue as the White Witch is determined to keep Narnia in her possession and end the reign of Aslan. Ultimately, with the help of the children, the majestic Aslan thwarts the evil Witch with love and acceptance. This story of love, faith, courage and giving, is a true celebration of life and the triumph of good over evil.
Rated G.