COSTA MESA, Calif. (CNS)—Buoyed by the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts Dec. 16 announced plans to resume Broadway shows next fall.
The arts center is planning an Oct. 26, 2021, premiere for “Mean Girls,” followed in 2022 by premieres of “Tootsie,” “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” and “Hadestown.” The schedule also includes new productions of “My Fair Lady,” “The Band’s Visit” and “Wicked.”
“I am thrilled to be able to confirm that our beloved Broadway shows will return with this spectacular lineup,” said Segerstrom Center President Casey Reitz.
“Show producers and our presenting colleagues across the country feel strongly the promise of effective COVID-19 vaccines will make it safe for companies to tour safely and audiences to return to theaters to enjoy their favorite shows once again.”
Segerstrom Center officials are planning to take other measures to reassure patrons, including enhanced air ventilation and circulation filtering systems, hands-free restroom fixtures, and hand-sanitation dispensers throughout the center.
The schedule calls for “My Fair Lady” to premiere on Jan. 11, 2022, “Wicked” on Feb. 9, 2022, “The Band’s Visit” on March 22, 2022, “Tootsie” on May 31, 2022, “Pretty Woman: The Musical” on July 5, 2022, and “Hadestown” on Aug. 9, 2022.
In November, the center previously announced a series of live performances, movie nights, and wellness classes that were scheduled to be held in the organization’s outdoor Julianne and George Argyros Plaza to comply with COVID-19 guidelines.
Upcoming shows scheduled for early next year include musician Wynton Marsalis, performer Megan Hilty, and singer Steve Tyrell.
The Segerstrom Center for the Arts, originally called the Orange County Performing Arts Center, is the county’s largest performing arts organization. It opened in 1986, and is the home to various concert halls and theaters.
