Broadway Begins

It’s a reality that leaders at East Tennessee State University have been quietly working toward for more than a decade.

In late summer 2022, it finally happened. The university landed a Broadway series at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.

The Appalachian Highlands responded quickly when the university announced the Broadway shows. Season ticket sales have been strong, and individual show tickets went on sale in November.

“Some announcements are a decade in the making, and this unveiling of our inaugural Broadway series has been anticipated for years,” said ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland. “From the moment we broke ground on the Martin Center back in 2013, we have been waiting for this, and I am thrilled to see these four award-winning shows take the stage here on our campus.”

Directed by Jenn Thompson, Annie is scheduled for January 25-26. This celebration of family, optimism, and the American spirit features the iconic book and score written by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse, and Martin Charnin.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS takes center stage March 6-7. Winner of seven Tony Awards® including Best Musical, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.

The global dance phenomenon Riverdance – 25th Anniversary Show is scheduled for March 21. This beloved favorite features a Grammy® Award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of Irish and international dance.

Honored with six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards®, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations, the 25th anniversary tour Chicago comes April 25-26. Set in Chicago during the roaring 1920s, Chicago tells the story of two rival murderesses locked up in Cook County Jail.

“These shows need little introduction as they collectively have captured many Tony Awards® and have enjoyed extended runs on Broadway,” said Jennifer Clements, Executive Director of the Martin Center for the Arts. “We are extremely grateful to the sponsors who are making these shows possible and look forward to hosting our patrons for these events.”

To see what tickets are available, or to learn more, visit etsumartincenter.org.

O.J. Early is a Marketing and Communications Specialist in ETSU’s Office of University Marketing and Communications.