May: A Time for Musical Theatre

K. Putnam

With the coming of May, many musicals have been set to take the stage in the Triangle. With so many musical theatre opportunities like Mamma Mia, Matilda, and Chicago, you want to make sure not to miss a one!

Logan Powers, Photography Editor

 With the closing of the 2016-17 season, many musicals begin to make their way to the Triangle. Here in the heart of North Carolina, musical theatre and concerts have become an important part of the local community and economy. Here in the Triangle, there are a few theatres that house major performances, from touring companies to musicals fresh off of Broadway. The Durham Performing Arts Center, or DPAC, and Raleigh Memorial Auditorium are set to have musicals such as Mamma Mia, Chicago, and Matilda perform on their stage in the upcoming months.

 With the ending of the musical Mama Mia on Broadway, you can catch the internationally known musical on one last run around the country for a farewell tour! The musical that has touched over 54 million people worldwide is now being brought back around the country one last time. This musical, based off  the beloved music of ABBA, tells a tale of a mother, daughter, three possible dads, and a marriage that is unforgettable. After her friends told her about the show, senior Jordin Williams had this to say: “The show is energetic and bubbly, and after hearing that it’s the farewell tour, I gotta jump on it!” This show is set to begin on May 5 and run through May 7. Get your tickets soon because there are only 5 chances to say goodbye to this amazing musical, and tickets are on sale now!

 After Mama Mia, another Broadway show takes the DPAC stage. Chicago the Musical, one of the longest running Broadway sensations, is set to start May 12 and go through May 14. This musical, set in the infamous city during the roaring 20s, tells the story of two rival murderesses in the Cook County Jail. Along with the Broadway show, there is also a film version of the award winning musical. With only one weekend in the Triangle, get your tickets now because they are sure to go fast.

 The final major musical to visit DPAC in May is Finding Neverland. Based on the Academy Award Winning film, this musical follows playwright J.M. Barrie on his journey to discover Neverland. With an all original score, astonishing visuals, and an awe inspiring script, Finding Neverland is an amazing attribution to the DPAC Spring season. Make sure to catch this timeless show from May 23 through May 28.

 Another broadway show to be performed in the Triangle this coming month is Matilda the Musical. Matilda is based on the classic children’s book written by Roald Dahl, and follows the same story as the movie with a few twists. You can see Matilda Wormwood, a blossoming young girl who is in love with books and storytelling, battle the evil headmistress Miss Trunchbull. This musical is all about imagination and what even the smallest child can do to help others. Make sure to see Matilda stand up against the unjust in her world at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium from May 23 to May 28.