It is no secret that I love Grand Rapids. The fact that it’s a big city cloaked in small town charm only adds to its appeal. I can always find something exciting to do without traveling more than a half hour from my home. If I feel like golfing, Grand Rapids has more golf courses than any other city in the U.S. If I want a day in the sun I head out to the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. And if I want world class entertainment I can check out a Broadway show downtown at DeVos Performance Hall.
Established in 1987 Broadway Theatre Guild was reintroduced to the city as Broadway Grand Rapids in 2007 and shares DeVos Performance Hall with Grand Rapids Symphony, Opera Grand Rapids, and Grand Rapids Ballet, making it the only theater in Michigan that has four preforming arts tenants.
Broadway Grand Rapids has been instrumental in delivering the finest Broadway performances from New York to West Michigan for over 20 years. Thousands of performance ticket purchasers have supported the four Broadway productions each year. And over 4,000 season-ticket holders are a reminder of how much this city cares about its arts community.
Theater lovers from Grand Rapids and West Michigan eagerly welcome the 26th Broadway Grand Rapids season. The four-show series is guaranteed to be unforgettable. A new partnership formed between Broadway Grand Rapids and Michigan State University’s Wharton Center for Performing Arts has also helped attract bigger shows to the Grand Rapids area.
Last year Broadway Grand Rapids lit up the town with terrific shows like “Blue Man Group,” “Billy Elliot the Musical,” and “Flashdance.” This year BGR selected shows that will attract a varied audience. Tony Award-winning “Jersey Boys,” Oct. 1-6, offers contemporary adult entertainment, “West Side Story,” Nov. 12-17, is a 1950’s classic, “Sister Act,” Feb. 4-9, is a modern hit comedy, and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Wizard of Oz,” April 22-27, is a favorite of all ages. They will also be offering a special Christmas event “Cirque Dreams Holidaze,” Dec. 26-30, and the popular sing-along “Mamma Mia!” March 18-20.
Tickets run from $113-$322 for the four-show subscription series and are on sale at the BGR office, 122 Lyon St. NW, or online at broadwaygrandrapids.com