Broadway comes to ETSU’s Martin Center; four shows this spring

After the announcement of a Broadway season by the Martin Center on Aug. 20, theatre fans across Johnson City showed their excitement across social media platforms.

The four shows being brought to Johnson City are “Annie,” Jan. 25-26; “Cats,” March 6-7; “Riverdance,” March 21; and “Chicago,” April 25-26.

The shows were announced at the Martin Center gala on the evening of Aug. 20. ETSU President Brian Noland spoke on how ETSU leaders before himself dreamt of, “bringing Broadway to youngsters.”

“ETSU had the honor to announce the first Broadway series tonight,” Noland said. “Forty years ago, leaders set to bring Broadway to ETSU. We had the honor to announce ‘Annie,’ ‘Chicago,’ ‘Riverdance,’ and ‘Cats.’ We want to thank the citizens of Washington County, Washington County, and countless others.”

Since the Martin Center’s opening last year, there has been $20 million raised to support the arts in our area, according to Noland. More revenue is expected to be brought in with the addition of the Broadway series. According to Jennifer Clements, executive director of the Martin Center, she is expecting to sell out every show. These shows are expected to bring in $350,000 in revenue for the Martin Center.

Clements said the Martin Center chose these four shows as a good solid basis for the beginning of their Broadway Series. “We wanted to choose good solid shows that the community would rally behind. For example, ‘Annie’ is great for families; we want to reach different audiences,” said Clements.

The Martin Center hopes to make the Broadway Series an annual event, according to Clements. “Our hope is every year to have some Broadway shows, we are going to see how things go this year as long as our community wants to see it,” says Clements.

Season tickets will be sold starting Aug. 25, ranging between $250-$325 and individual and group ticket sales will start Nov. 8, according to Clements.

To purchase tickets or learn more about the Broadway Series, please visit: www.etsutickets.com/martincenter or call 423-439-2787. The Martin Center box office is open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. from Monday through Friday.