What does a beauty pageant, TEDx, trashcan drums, Prince, ABBA, The Nutcracker and mean teenage girls all have in common? They are at the Martin Center of course.

Photo of Martin Center Executive Director Jennifer Clements. (Contributed/ETSU)

The 2024 Broadway season for ETSU’s Martin Center has been a success for the community and center alike. As Jennifer Clements, the executive director of Martin Center, stated, there has been a successful season.

The 2024 Broadway season consisted of “Jagged Little Pill,” “My Fair Lady,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Mean Girls.” There were two add on shows: “Shrek” and “Stomp.”  The variety and diversity in the shows made the shows accessible to every demographic.

(Contributed/@etsumartinctr Instagram)

“Each show stood out on their own,” said Clements. “There is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Clements stated that the highlight of the season was the new patrons coming into the shows. The shows allowed the Martin Center to expand its reach outside of Johnson City to people from other states. It allowed patrons to see New York Broadway level shows in the comfort of Johnson City.

Patrons playfully interacted with the shows. Some dressed in costumes to go see “Shrek,” while others dressed in pink to go see “Mean Girls.”

(Contributed/@etsumartinctr Instagram)

Although the summer season is considered their “quiet time,” it still does not mean it lacks any excitement.

“It’s something I am really excited to be apart of,” said Clements.

Some upcoming events for the Martin Center for summer and fall 2024 include concerts, speeches and competitions.

The Black Jacket Symphony will perform Prince’s “Purple Rain” at the Grand Hall on May 17 at 8 p.m. The final Broadway show of the season, “Stomp,” presented by News 5 WCYB, will run June 4-5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Hall. Young Professionals of Johnson City will host TEDxJohnsonCity in the Grand Hall on June 11 at 5:30 p.m. The Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition Pageant will run from June 16 to 22 in the Grand Hall. The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA will be in the Grand Hall on August 17 at 8 p.m. The Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet! will come to the Grand Hall on Nov. 26 at 7 p.m.

The 2025 Broadway season is in the works and the announcement event is planned for the beginning of the fall semester.

The Martin Center is looking for volunteers, including ushers, for their productions.

Over thecoming weeks, the Martin Center plans to announce new events on their social media and website. Follow the Martin Center at their social media handles @etsumartinctr and their website etsu.edu/martincenter.

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