The Martin Center announced their first Broadway Series last August, with the shows “Annie,” “Cats,” “Riverdance” and “Chicago.”
At this time, there are less than 150 tickets left for each showing of “Annie,” “Cats” and “Chicago,” with a sold-out show for “Riverdance.”
Jennifer Clements, executive director for the Martin Center, said that they have far surpassed their goals and expectations of the Broadway Series. Clements said that these goals would not have been met without the support of local partners and community members.
“The engagement and the excitement and the support that we have received from the community through ticket sales has been exponential,” said Clements, “but also we have had a lot of great partners through the community, and without their support it would be really difficult to bring Broadway to Johnson City.”
The local support that the Martin Center has received spans across the Johnson City area. The four shows are being represented by different sponsors. Bravissima! Women Sponsoring the Arts! is presenting “Annie,” Truist is presenting “CATS,” local TV station WCYB is presenting “Riverdance” and the Bank of Tennessee is presenting “Chicago.”
“The support from local businesses is really helping us to sustain our operations and have a key role they play in our support,” said Clements. “It’s been really rewarding to see the community come together and want to bring Broadway to our region.”
Clements said since the opening of the Martin Center, many local businesses have reached out thanking them for the opportunities being brought to Johnson City. In one instance, a local hotel reached out to Clements thanking the Martin Center for bringing people in to stay at rooms in their hotel.
She mentioned in one weekend last December, the Martin Center hosted over 3,000 people for three different events; the 3,000 in attendance represented 25 different states across the country.
There is an opportunity for students to get tickets to the shows, but only for a limited time. Student Activities and Organizations is selling 50 tickets to students for each Broadway show being presented at the Martin Center. Tickets are being sold for $10 in the Carrier Center on the second floor of the Culp. Tickets being sold by the Martin Center range from $50 to $90.
To purchase tickets or learn more about the Martin Center, visit www.etsu.edu/martin-center or call 423-439-2787. The Martin Center is always looking for volunteers to help with stage technology, marketing and help in the box office. For those interested in volunteering at the Martin Center please email info@etsumartincenter.org.
