BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS ANNOUNCES PNC Broadway Lights Sponsorship

Charlotte, NC – PNC Bank is the new title sponsor of Blumenthal Performing Arts’ flagship series next season. The 2014-2015 blockbuster Broadway season is titled PNC Broadway Lights and is made possible with support from PNC Bank.

PNC Bank provides consumer and small business banking primarily in 19 states and the District of Columbia, with residential mortgage banking and corporate and institutional banking offices across the continental United States.

“We’re thrilled to welcome PNC Bank as the title sponsor of one of the region’s most exciting entertainment series, Broadway Lights” said Blumenthal President Tom Gabbard.  “As a business leader, PNC Bank is demonstrating its commitment to building a strong, vibrant community.  They understand how the arts enhance our quality life, strengthen our economy, and nurture the best in our kids.”

“Our commitment to the arts in Charlotte and across our Western Carolina market is strong,” said Regional President Weston M. Andress. “We’re excited to help bring such quality entertainment to our community and work with such a fine institution as the Blumenthal.”

PNC Bank has already demonstrated its commitment to the arts and Blumenthal through this season’s PNC Celebrity Series. The collaboration brings 11 celebrity acts to the Queen City, many of which have sold out including blues legend B.B. King, the Food Network’s celebrity chef Alton Brown, and comedian John Oliver.

The PNC Broadway Lights sponsorship comes in a year in which Blumenthal is presenting an outstanding Broadway lineup, featuring some of Broadway’s hottest shows including the new high-heeled hit Kinky Boots, the winner of six Tony Awards® including Best Musical, and the magical, unforgettable production, Pippin, the Tony Award® winner for Best Revival. Also, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera, which is receiving critical acclaim and the record-breaking smash hit Motown the Musical, which held National tour auditions right here in the Queen City last fall, and tells the American dream story of Berry Gordy and the music that shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat.

The new season brings fantastic productions to Charlotte so fresh and current that most are playing now on Broadway.

Other highlights of the season include the exciting hit show Newsies, the winner of the 2012 Tony Awards® for Best Score and Best Choreography. Be transported back to your childhood with the lush new production of Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella, the 2012 Tony Award® winner for Best Costume Design. Plus, the worldwide smash hit Dirty Dancing- The Classic Story on Stage and the unforgettable show celebrating a rock & roll legend, A Night with Janis Joplin.

2014/15 PNC Broadway Lights

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA (Nov. 4-9, 2014 – Belk Theater)
Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA is the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical from the creators of South Pacific and The Sound of Music that's delighting audiences with its surprisingly contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein's most beloved songs, including "In My Own Little Corner," "Impossible/It's Possible" and "Ten Minutes Ago" in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who's ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes..

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN (Dec. 2-7, 2014 – Knight Theater)
Like a comet that burns far too brightly to last, Janis Joplin exploded onto the music scene in 1967 and, almost overnight, became the queen of rock & roll. The unmistakable voice, filled with raw emotion and tinged with Southern Comfort, made her a must-see headliner from Monterey to Woodstock.
Fueled by such unforgettable songs as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Piece of My Heart,”  “Mercedes Benz,” “Cry Baby” and “Summertime,” A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, written and directed by Randy Johnson, is a musical journey celebrating Janis and her biggest musical influences—icons like Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith, who inspired one of rock & roll’s greatest legends.

NEWSIES (Jan. 6-11, 2015 – Belk Theater)
They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines…Direct from Broadway comes NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Winner of the 2012 Tony Awards® for Best Score and Best Choreography, NEWSIES has audiences and critics alike calling it “A MUSICAL WORTH SINGING ABOUT!” (The New York Times) Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don’t want to miss. Seize the day and order your season tickets now!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (Feb. 4-15, 2015 – Belk Theater)
Following an acclaimed sold-out tour of the United Kingdom, Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, will come to Charlotte as part of a brand new North American Tour. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is “bigger and better than ever before.” This PHANTOM features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award®-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award®-winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler, and a new staging by director Laurence Connor. The production, overseen by Matthew Bourne and Cameron Mackintosh, boasts many exciting special effects including the show’s legendary chandelier. The beloved story and thrilling score - with songs like “Music of the Night,” “All I Ask Of You,” and “Masquerade” - will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this PHANTOM one of the largest productions now on tour.

KINKY BOOTS (March 17-21, 2015 – Belk Theater)
Kinky Boots is the exhilarating Broadway musical that will lift your spirits to new high-heeled heights! Winner of six Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, this inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible… proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. Inspired by a true story, KINKY BOOTS features a joyous, Tony-winning score by CYNDI LAUPER, direction and Tony-winning choreography by JERRY MITCHELL and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner HARVEY FIERSTEIN. Come join the sold-out audiences who’ve discovered why – sometimes – the best way to fit in is to stand out!

“THERE IS NO SHOW HOTTER THAN KINKY BOOTS." – CBS News

PIPPIN (May 19-24, 2015 – Belk Theater)
PIPPIN is back on Broadway for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago… the show the New York Times declared “ASTONISHING.  A PIPPIN FOR THE 21ST CENTURY.” It won the Tony Award for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL! With a beloved score by Tony nominee STEPHEN SCHWARTZ (GODSPELL, WICKED), PIPPIN tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory.  This captivating new production is directed by Tony winner DIANE PAULUS (HAIR and THE GERSHWINS’ PORGY AND BESS). It features sizzling choreography in the style of BOB FOSSE and breathtaking acrobatics by LES 7 DOIGTS DE LA MAIN, the creative force behind the nationwide sensation TRACES. Join us… for this magical, unforgettable production the New York Times declared “Astonishing!  A PIPPIN for the 21st Century.”

DIRTY DANCING (June 16-21, 2015 – Belk Theater)
DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with
heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do you Love Me?” and the heart stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” London’s Sunday Express says “This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!” Don’t miss your chance to see this record-breaking live theatre sensation. You’ll have the time of your life!

MOTOWN THE MUSICAL (Aug. 25-Sept. 6, 2015 – Belk Theater)
It began as one man's story… became everyone's music… and is now Broadway's musical. MOTOWN THE MUSICAL is the true American dream story of Motown founder Berry Gordy’s journey from featherweight boxer to the heavyweight music mogul who launched the careers of Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Smokey Robinson and many more. Motown shattered barriers, shaped our lives and made us all move to the same beat. Featuring classic songs such as “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” experience the story behind the music in the record-breaking smash hit MOTOWN THE MUSICAL!

ABOUT PNC
The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news, updates and announcements from PNC.

ABOUT BLUMENTHAL PERFORMING ARTS
Blumenthal Performing Arts serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment and education provider. For more information, call (704) 372-1000 or visit BlumenthalArts.org. Blumenthal Performing Arts receives operating support from the Arts & Science Council and the North Carolina Arts Council. Generous support is also provided by PNC Bank, sponsor of PNC Broadway Lights and PNC Celebrity Series.