What happens when you cross a green, swamp-dwelling ogre with a family of macabre misfits, throw in some supreme singers, mix in some tightly harmonizing boys from Jersey, step it up with some tough-dancing juvenile delinquents and then top it off with a famous brother/sister duo?
Utah audiences will soon find out as Broadway Across America has announced its 2012-2013 lineup, which includes "Shrek," "The Addams Family," "Dreamgirls," "Jersey Boys" and "West Side Story."
One of the season's special events is "Donny and Marie Christmas in Salt Lake." The famed siblings will perform Dec. 26-29 at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City.
The season begins in November with "The Addams Family," which plays Nov. 13-19 at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City, according to a press release.
The show is based on the weird and wacky family first made famous in the 1960s television show and later on film during the 1990s. In the story, Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family -- and she doesn't want her mother to find out.
Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before -- keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents.
"Dreamgirls" plays Feb. 5-10, also at the Capitol Theatre. The Tony-winning musical tells the story of an up-and-coming 1960s girls' singing group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune.
Loosely based on the story of The Supremes, which launched Diana Ross into superstardom, "Dreamgirls" features unforgettable hits such as "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," "One Night Only" and "Listen." Jennifer Hudson won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Effie White in the 2006 version of the musical.
"Shrek The Musical" plays Feb. 26-March 3, also at the Capitol Theatre
Based on the hugely popular animated films, "Shrek" is the story of a swamp-dwelling ogre who goes on a life-changing adventure to reclaim the deed to his land. Joined by a wise-cracking donkey, this unlikely hero fights a fearsome dragon, rescues a feisty princess and learns that real friendship and true love aren't only found in fairy tales.
"West Side Story" plays April 16-21, 2013, also at the Capitol Theatre.
More than 50 years ago, "West Side Story" changed theater forever. Inspired by Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the musical revolutionized musical theater in 1957 with its edgy themes, racial issues and Jerome Robbins' athletic choreograhy for the tough-talking Jets and Sharks.
The score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim is considered one of Broadway's finest and features such classics as "Something's Coming," "Tonight," "America," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere."
"Jersey Boys" plays June 5-23, 2013, at the Capitol Theatre.
The Tony-winning musical is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history -- the Four Seasons, Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. The four wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide -- all before they were 30.
The New York Post raved that "Jersey Boys" was "too good to be true," and Time magazine predicted, "It will run for centuries!"
Season-ticket packages include the five season shows and go on sale April 30. Current season ticketholders can begin renewing on April 9.
Season-ticket holders will be able to purchase tickets to additional performances, including "Donny and Marie Christmas in Salt Lake" (Dec. 26-29 at Abravanel Hall), "A Kurt Bestor Christmas" (Dec. 13-15 at Abravanel Hall), "Hair" (Jan. 19-20 at Kingsbury Hall), "Cesar Milan Dog Whisperer" (Jan. 25 at Abravanel Hall) and "Lord of the Dance" (April 2, 2013, at Kingsbury Hall).
Initially, tickets for the 2012-2013 season are available to purchase only as a subscription. Single tickets will be made available at a later date. Packages start at $187.25.
For information, visit www.broadwayinutah.com or call 801-355-5502.