Broadway at TPAC To Welcome THE LION KING & More for 2012-13 Season

Tennessee Performing Arts Center has announced the six Broadway titles visiting for its 2012-13 HCA/TriStar Broadway Series, plus two Broadway specials. In a presentation to season ticket holders, special guests, and press on Tuesday, President and CEO Kathleen O'Brien unveiled the new season, which will conclude in 2013 with a four-week run of the Tony Award®-winning hit Disney's The Lion King. The season includes beloved classics like Cole Porter's Anything Goes and Irving Berlin's White Christmas, the acrobatic off-Broadway smash Traces, plus new favorites Flashdance and Catch Me If You Can.

"These six thrilling shows represent the best of Broadway and TPAC's commitment to bringing diverse and dynamic entertainment to Nashville," O'Brien said. "From time-tested classics and fresh new productions to the captivating style of cirque and record-breaking spectacles, the productions in our next season will excite and delight audiences of all ages. We're proud to offer a season that will have both an immense economic impact on our community and a powerful entertainment impact on our audience."

In addition to the six shows in the season ticket series, the HCA/TriStar Broadway at TPAC season will feature two music-centered specials, with both American Idiot and Rock of Ages making their Nashville debuts.

"This year, we are having a little fun with our beloved Nashville's famous moniker. We are asking our audiences and all of Nashville to consider our town a home for music lovers, musical living, and one of the nation's premier destinations for musical theater and the performing arts. With a season full of popular music, from Cole Porter to Green Day, we believe next season is a perfect fit for Nashville's national dominance as the home of music."

The schedule for the 2012-13 HCA/TriStar Broadway Series is:

Anything Goes (October 23-28, 2012) – All aboard for Roundabout Theatre Company's Tony® Award-winning musical comedy hit.

Irving Berlin's White Christmas (November 13-18, 2012) – Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin's White Christmas promises a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family.

Catch Me If You Can (January 22-27, 2013) – Fly away in this suspense-filled musical adventure. Based on the Dreamworks film, Catch Me If You Can captures Frank W. Abagnale's journey of romance, intrigue, and deception. Contains some mature content.

Traces (February 19-24, 2013) – The off-Broadway and international sensation Traces unleashes ninety minutes of heart-stopping urban energy featuring music, dance, and high-risk acrobatics.

Flashdance (March 19-24, 2013) – Based on the unforgettable film, Flashdance tells the inspiring story of a working-class girl with a dream of becoming a professional dancer. Contains some mature content.

Disney's The Lion King (May 7 – June 2, 2013) – Nashville's best-loved musical makes a triumphant return. Marvel at the breathtaking spectacle and watch Disney's The Lion King come to life.

"This is the first return engagement of Disney's The Lion King since its record breaking debut here in 2006. People of all ages have embraced this production, and they want to experience it again or share it with a new generation," O'Brien said. "Like last time, we will be modifying the seating in Andrew Jackson Hall to accommodate some of the most awe-inspiring, memorable scenes in the history of musical theatre. We're glad to have it back for four weeks and, again, we expect to sell out. Buy your tickets in advance."

The schedule for the HCA/TriStar Broadway at TPAC Specials is:

American Idiot (March 5-7, 2013) – A thrilling new musical, featuring the music of Green Day, tells the story of three lifelong friends forced to choose between their dreams and the safety of suburbia. Contains some mature content.

Rock of Ages (April 19-20, 2013) – Enjoy an awesome good time about dreaming big, playing loud, and partying on. This arena-rock love story features a mix of 28 rockin' '80s tunes. Contains some mature content.