Kimmel Center Announces Philadelphia Premieres, Returning Favorites, And Free Programming For The 2018-19 Season

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts has announced an expansive 2018-19 season overflowing with close to 400 dynamic programs, including Philadelphia premieres such as Hamilton, returning favorites, free programming including New Year's Day, and much more! Select tickets are on sale to the public beginning Friday, September 14. Become a Kimmel Center member now through September 13 for early access and exclusive presales to all the 2018-19 performances.

In addition to the already announced impressive lineup of shows, returning favorites join the season, including a performance from the iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis; a performance from the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia with special guest organist Joey DeFrancesco; the celebrated Kimmel Center holiday tradition A Soulful Christmas; a beautiful evening of Jewish choral music from local choirs in Sing Hallelujah; the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater after a sold-out engagement at the Kimmel Center's Merriam Theater in 2017; two productions from the beloved resident company PHILADANCO; Chicago's legendary hilarious improv group The Second City; Philadelphia's own Rennie Harris; the multi-platinum international music sensation Celtic Woman; and the heroic pups in PAW Patrol Live!.

Making their Philadelphia debut during the 2018/19 season is the four-time world champion German breakdance crew, Flying Steps, as they combine breakdance with ballet in Flying Bach. Plus, the critically-acclaimed Improvised Shakespeare Company will build a show off of one suggestion from the audience.

"The sheer volume of performances offered during the 2018/19 Kimmel Center season is spectacular. On any given night, there could be a performance on every stage in every venue across our Cultural Campus," said Anne Ewers, President and CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. "I invite audiences to sit back, relax, and enjoy all that the Kimmel Center has to offer - from Broadway to jazz to comedy to dance. We have something for everyone all year round."

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BROADWAY SEASON

Previously announced, the 2018-19 Broadway Philadelphia season includes: Philadelphia premieres like Love Never Dies (October 2-7, 2018), Roald Dahl's Charlie and The Chocolate Factory (November 6-18, 2018), Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (December 19-29, 2018), The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (January 22-27, 2019), the musical Anastasia (April 9-14, 2019), and Hamilton (August 27 - November 17, 2019). Returning favorites include: Fiddler on the Roof (October 23-28, 2018), Cats (June 18-30, 2019), Beautiful - The Carole King Musical (January 8-20, 2019), Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella (February 22-24, 2019), the RENT 20th Anniversary Tour (March 5-10, 2019), and Miss Saigon (March 19-21, 2019). Back by popular demand, The Book of Mormon (May 28-June 9, 2019) returns to Philadelphia.

Single tickets on sale now

Single tickets on sale September 14

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JAZZ SEASON

Previously announced, the Kimmel Center's 2018-19 Jazz season kicks off on October 5 with multi-time Grammy Award-winning jazz guitarist and composer Pat Metheny (October 5, 2018). He has performed with many eclectic artists such as Ornette Coleman, Herbie Hancock, and David Bowie. The season then explodes with a wide array of jazz artists including Black Violin (October 27, 2018) described as the "classic boom"; Django Festival AllStars (November 3, 2018) with its high energy; the newly formed super group August Greene featuring rapper Common, Robert Glasper, and Karriem Riggins (November 29, 2018) with its blend of smooth jazz, hip hop, and rap; the return of beloved Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia with A Cole Christmas (December 15, 2018) and Get Organized (June 1, 2019), under the leadership of artistic director Terell Stafford for annual winter and spring performances; The Bad Plus featuring Philadelphia's own Orrin Evans; the return of the iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (February 10, 2019); the 60th anniversary celebration of Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour starring Cecile McLorin Salvant (March 23, 2019); and Diva Jazz Orchestra (April 27, 2019) with its thrilling, big band sound. Tickets start at $27.00 per show and packages are on sale now. Buy three shows and save 10%. Buy four shows and save 15%.

Single tickets on sale now

Single tickets on sale September 14

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FREE AT THE KIMMEL

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts offers several monthly FREE events on our Cultural Campus, including: La NOCHE! (monthly, Commonwealth Plaza or SEI Innovation studio), the Kimmel Center's Latin music, dance-party experience led by host and dance leader, Kevin Ngo, and master percussionist Arturo Stable. Guests enjoy drinks and delicious food while listening to the Kimmel Center's La NOCHE house band and a monthly guest band. Sittin' In (monthly, Commonwealth Plaza or SEI Innovation Studio) introduces audiences to new cutting-edge artists every month in an informal club-like setting. Grow Up Great (monthly, Commonwealth Plaza) offers an hour of free interactive fun for children (ages 3 to 5) so they can learn the basics of jazz and musical theater. Free Organ Demonstrations (monthly, Verizon Hall) on the Fred J. Cooper Memorial Organ combine a tour with a 15 minute session listening to the instrument's unparalleled and dramatic sounds LIVE.

Additional free events throughout the 2018-19 season include: the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts Youth Troupe (October 20, 2018; May 4, 2019, Commonwealth Plaza); students return for two performances to show what they have learned in their circus classes. CraftNOW Create (November 3, 2018, Commonwealth Plaza) is a hands-on exploration of craft. Returning for its third year, CraftNOW Create invites locals and visitors to explore Philadelphia's innovations in the world of the handmade. Tuba Christmas (December 16, 2018, Commonwealth Plaza) is an annual Philadelphia tradition that brings 100+ local brass players for a free community concert of cherished holiday classics. Get in the holiday spirit with two wonderful performances! New Year's Day (January 1, 2019, Kimmel Center) is an annual free celebration to kick off the New Year. Patrons are invited to warm up indoors to enjoy panoramic views of the Mummers Parade, a free hot chocolate bar, and family-friendly performances and activities from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Three Kings Day (January 6, 2019, Commonwealth Plaza) is a spirited celebration, also known as "El Dia de Reyes," to honor the height of the Christmas season in Hispanic cultures. The event will feature an evening of classic Mexican traditions including a reenactment of the story of the Three Wise Men, piñatas, and traditional "Rosca de Reyes" bread.

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Tickets to select performances are on sale now. Tickets to select performances indicated below are on sale beginning September 14. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online at www.kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling 215-790-5883. See www.kimmelcenter.org for more information.