Local Theater Announces Its 23rd Season

REDLANDS >> Three world premiere musicals, a cherished Christmas classic, two family favorites and a pair of returning biblical stand-out musicals make up an exciting 23rd season at LifeHouse Theater. “We are honored and delighted to offer a diverse selection of family entertainment sure to uplift and inspire audiences of all ages," said Wayne Scott, LifeHouse Theater president. “We’re committed to providing exciting theater experiences that are accessible and affordable for the thousands of families visiting LifeHouse.” Season passes for LifeHouse Theater’s 2016-2017 23rd season are available now at a special discounted price of $136 for adults and $68 for children 3 to 11 through June 30, 2016. LifeHouse is also pleased to offer the new Pick 4 pass, good for any four performances throughout the season. Adult Pick 4 passes are at a special discounted price of $68 and a Child Pick 4 pass is $34. Pick 4 passes will only be available for a limited time. Passes may be purchased over the phone with a Visa, MasterCard or Discover card by calling 909-335-3037 or online at boxoffice.lifehousetheater.com. Passes may also be purchased in person at the box office on Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m. and one hour prior and during performance times on the weekends. The 23rd season will be launched with the world premiere family musical “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” which will run Oct. 29 through Nov. 20. The classic Hans Christian Andersen tale comes to LifeHouse in this fun new musical. The pride and arrogance of the Emperor spark a laughable series of events until hilariously exposed through the wisdom of a child. LifeHouse celebrates the Christmas season with the return of the award-winning original musical, “It’s A Wonderful Life!” which will run Dec. 3 through 23. The unforgettable folks of Bedford Falls come to life on stage in this toe-tapping tribute to a beloved American tale. The true spirit of Christmas touches George Bailey and all who witness his amazing encounter with a wayward angel. The New Year is ushered in with the fun but ultimately reverent and inspirational original take on the familiar biblical story “Noah." A smash hit when it was first performed at LifeHouse Theater, critics and audiences alike praised the contemporary music, comedy, and symbolic staging of this timeless account of the flood story, which will run Jan. 7 through Feb. 5, 2017. The fun family fantasy, “Peter Pan: A New Musical” will return Feb. 18 through March 26, 2017. Wendy and her brothers embark on an amazing tour of Neverland, sparked by the irrepressible Peter Pan. With the help of unpredictable Tinkerbell, the mysterious Tiger Lily, the impish Lost Boys and the croc with a clock, Peter and Wendy lead a battle to thwart the evil plans of Captain Hook and his henchmen. This smash hit returns with some new surprises. The uplifting story of “Ruth” is recounted in this award-winning musical, which will run April 8 through May 14, 2017. Ruth’s moving portrait of love and devotion reveals the poignant path to her marriage—a union granting her a special place in the family lineage leading to Jesus. LifeHouse Theater then undertakes a fantastic journey in “The Wizard of Oz." All the fun, enchantment, and adventure is there as Dorothy journeys “down that dusty road” from Kansas to Oz May 17 through July 2, 2017. This touching musical is an Inland Empire favorite, and California Magazine states it’s “one of LifeHouse’s best!” The amazing story of “Abraham and Sarah” explodes onto the LifeHouse stage July 15 through Aug. 13, 2017, in another of its world premiere musicals. Guests will travel with these famed patriarchs on a musical adventure as they obediently leave their home in Chaldea for Canaan. Though unsure of where God is leading, they press on while believing His promises to bless them with a new son, a new home, and a new nation. The season concludes with the world premiere of “The Phantom of the Opera," which will run Aug. 26 through Sept. 24, 2017. The tumultuous tale of the mysterious Phantom comes to LifeHouse Theater in a new original musical full of romance and intrigue. Young Christine rises to fame in the opera world, thanks to the schemes of the ominous Phantom. But will his efforts win her heart? Sinister plots abound amidst comedic scenes and tragic situations. LifeHouse Theater’s LifeTales series of musical biographies for Inland Empire students also continues this season with special weekday performances. This fall, students can learn all about “Alexander Graham Bell” from October 4 to 7. The winter brings the classic “Jackie Robinson” on Feb. 21 to 24. The spring production will profile “Clara Barton of the Red Cross” from April 25 to 28. Performance times for the one-hour productions are 9:15 and 11 a.m. each morning. All seats for the LifeTales series are $9. Teachers and chaperones will receive a complimentary curriculum guide for the productions, which typically play to over 2,000 area students. For the 23rd Season, LifeHouse Theater again be offering a series of Sunday Night Specials to compliment the regular productions. These special events are designed to give audiences a unique theatrical experience and will be presented on select Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. Tickets for these specials are $16 for adults and $9 for children ages 3 to 11. Currently scheduled Sunday Night Specials include a special performance of southern gospel music by the Johnson Family Quartet on July 10, and the return of “A Christmas Song In My Heart” on Dec. 4 and 11. Other Sunday Night Specials will be scheduled throughout the season, including the comedic “Heroes of the Faith,” the story of “Damien,” who ministered to those infected with leprosy, and “Great Minds At The Round Table 2,” which features a conversation with many historical figures such as Florence Nightingale, Martin Luther, and Sigmund Freud.