Rousing dances, crackling comedy, spine-tingling suspense and clever courtroom antics will take center stage at Shea’s 710 Theatre during the 2024-25 Frey Electric Season.
“Disney’s Newsies,” the first-ever collaboration between 710 and D’Youville’s Kavinoky Theatre, kicks the season off with spirit from Sept. 12-29. The fun continues with “Forbidden Broadway” (Feb. 11-16), followed by “Dial M for Murder” (March 27-April 13) and “Legally Blonde” (May 1-18).
Audiences flocked to last season’s plays at 710, especially “The Color Purple,” allowing Shea’s to expand this season to four shows.
“Our partners over the years have been putting on some great productions, and people know that they’re going to have a good night out,” says Kimberly Boyle, VP of marketing and communications at Shea’s Performing Arts Center.
Inspired by the real-life New York City newsboys’ strike of 1899, “Newsies” is a story of determination and camaraderie set to song. A smash hit on Broadway, the high-energy show follows the young sellers of newspapers who made their own headlines by banding together to seize the day. “It’s a great collaboration,” Boyle says, noting that the musical brings a family-oriented production to the 710 Theatre while offering the Kavinoky team a bigger stage and a 500-seat venue.
Hot shows and hit songs are the target of parody for “Forbidden Broadway,” presented by Shea’s and Albert Nocciolino. The revue pokes fun at musical theatre’s biggest blockbusters with over-the-top costumes, spoof songs and affectionate jokes.
“Dial M for Murder,” produced by Road Less Traveled Productions, tightens the tension on a tale that has held audiences in suspense since the 1950s. When retired tennis pro Tony learns of his wealthy wife’s affair, his greed and resentment lead to more danger than he knows. Jeffrey Hatcher’s adaptation modernizes the murder plot brimming with betrayal, lies and jealousy.
Harvard Law and courtroom cunning are in for a comedic twist in the musical “Legally Blonde.” The show, produced by MusicalFare Theatre, follows Elle Woods on a song-and-dance journey of self-actualization, romance and justice. When her boyfriend dumps her to study law, Elle defies stereotypes and brings her own flair to the Ivy League and the courtroom, inspiring others along the way. “It has catchy dance numbers and humor with a ‘girl power’ message,” says Boyle.
Season packages that include all four shows are available. For more information, visit sheas.org/710-theatre.
