Colorful lights and Broadway ballads filled the Grand Hall of the Martin Center as patrons excitedly waited for the 2024 Broadway Spring Shows to be revealed.
The ETSU Martin Center revealed that the 2024 Broadway Spring Shows would be “Jagged Little Pill,” “My Fair Lady,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Mean Girls.” There was a surprise announcement by Dr. Brian Noland that the season would have two add-on shows “Shrek the Musical” and “Stomp”.
Brad Fugate, ETSU professor of musical theatre, introduced the first show with the announcement of the shows with ETSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance. He emphasized the importance of “Jagged Little Pill” with Alanis Morissette’s music. “Jagged Little Pill” will be performed January 9-10.
Jason Onks, the director of facilities and operations at the Martin Center, introduced Bravissima! Women Sponsoring the Arts!, the sponsor of the second show. This show, “My Fair Lady,” tells the story of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins as the Professor tries to teach her how to be a proper English girl. This show will run February 12-13.
Alan Stevens, head of the music department, introduced the third show, advertising ETSU’s music department’s events for the semester, including choir concerts, wind, jazz, band, percussion, orchestra, the annual holiday concert and guest artists.
Stevens announced that the third show will be “Jesus Christ Superstar” and will run from March 18-20.
“It is refining the rock roots of a generation,” said Stevens.
Sara Allen, the director of sales and marketing at the Martin Center, introduced the Executive Vice President of the Bank of Tennessee, Detra Cleven. Cleven introduced the fourth and final show of the spring season, “Mean Girls”. The show will run from April 29 to May 1.
“Come sit at the mean girls’ table at the Martin Center,” said Cleven.
Two musical theatre students, Linsday Flewell and Stephen Cradic, interviewed Kristin Stultz Pressley aka Dr. Broadway about the upcoming shows.
Pressley said that “Jagged Little Pill” is, “About a modern American with known music,” and “It shows people not usually represented on the stage.”
Furthermore, Pressley talked about “My Fair Lady” and how it was an adaptation of the myth of “Pygmalion.”
“The creator falling in love with their creation,” said Pressley.
Pressley explained the history behind the show. The show is based on the book written by George Shaw in 1912. She stated that Rodgers and Hammerstein rejected creating the show because it did not have a subplot. However, Lerner and Loewe took it upon themselves to create the show and base it not on the creator (Henry Higgins) but on creation (Eliza Doolittle).
With “Jesus Christ Superstar,’ Pressley emphasized that the concept of the musical was based on a rock album and changed the way musical theatre music was at the time.
“It changes the sound of musical theatre and is different than musical theatre history,” said Pressley.
She emphasized the importance of the story being from Judas Esacariot’s perspective.
Lastly, with “Mean Girls” Pressley emphasized that it was based on the book “Queen Bees and Wannabees” and explained how Tina Fey evolved and adapted the movie from 2004 to 2018.
Pressley said Tina Fey drew inspiration from 30 Rock’s Jeff Richmond.
In a special announcement, ETSU’s President Brian Noland gave a special memoriam to Dr. Bach by embracing his idea of the Martin Center going back to 1986. President Noland announced that the Martin Center will be doing two add-on shows.
The first add-on show, “Shrek the Musical”, sponsored by Food City, will be at the Martin Center from April 4-5.
“Perfect combination of sight gags, belches and fart jokes,” said Pressley.
For the final add-on and final show of the season, WCYB will sponsor “Stomp”, which will run from June 4-5.
“It is an experience that keeps it fresh and lively,” said Pressley.
After all the shows were announced, Pressley emphasized how all of the shows were connected. They were all movie musicals, jukebox musicals and revivals of Golden Age musicals.
“Most shows connect with one thing,” said Pressley.
Deanne Stewart, a Broadway performer from the original Broadway company of “Jagged Little Pill”, was interviewed by Pressley. They talked about her experience with “Jagged Little Pill”.
“Everyone can relate to and everyone is a target audience,” said Stewart. “It is very real and raw dealing with addiction, teenagers, race, sexual orientation.”
Stewart performed “Unprodigal Daughter” from Act 2 of the show.
Concessions and drinks, including alcohol, were provided by Sodexo.
This season will have four shows with two add-ons, 10 nights and 3,500 patrons filling the seats of the Martin Center.
The Martin Center’s clear bag and metal detector security policy was in place at the event, as it is at every Broadway show.
Jennifer Clements, the Executive Director of the Martin Center, stated that this season was planned since the first Broadway show of last season.
“The bar was set by the people,” said Clements. “We had to raise the bar because of the volunteers and the staff.”
Jenny Federico, director of development, emphasized there were many ways to get involved with the Martin Center.
One way is to be a “Friend” of the Martin Center by donating money, another is by naming a seat or building, yet another is by volunteering.
Clements and the Martin Center thanked the sponsors and everyone who helped make the Martin Center successful.
Previous season ticket holders could renew their tickets from August 28 by filling out a form. They will then receive a call from the Martin Center Box Office.
Season tickets will then go on sale. Single tickets go on sale last. Student tickets will be available at the Carrier Center in the Culp building for $10 at a later date.
