With the rash of event cancellations due to the coronavirus, it helps to have a little something to look forward to down the road. ASU Gammage pretty much nailed it by announcing its 2020-2021 season on March 16.
If you’re feeling down about being housebound, whip out your planner and start marking some dates for future shows.
The Band's Visit
September 15-20, 2020
The next Broadway touring season at ASU Gammage in Tempe begins in September with a musical called The Band’s Visit, which marries music with unexpected romance in the desert. Watch the 2007 film now if you want to get a sneak peek of the musical’s star, who also had the lead role on screen.
Hamilton
October 13-18, 2020
The hit musical Hamilton returns to ASU Gammage in October. It’s filled with songs about America’s roots while inspiring you to think about ways you can help to build a better future.
Oklahoma!
December 1-6, 2020
In December, you can see a new twist on the musical Oklahoma!, where that song about the surrey with the fringe on top doesn’t exactly reference the golf carts that race around imbibers in Old Town Scottsdale.
Hadestown
January 12-17, 2021
Maybe you’re already feeling like you’ve been to hell and back after spending nights on the couch. But you don’t know hell until you’ve seen Hadestown, a show set in the underworld that earned the 2019 Tony Award for Best Musical.
My Fair Lady
February 9-14, 2021
In February, you can see the latest Broadway version of My Fair Lady, the classic tale of a stuffy linguist who imagines he’s transforming an unrefined woman into a proper lady. The original premiered in 1956, then inspired the 1964 film of the same name. They’re all based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play called Pygmalion.
Tootsie
March 16-21, 2011
The musical Tootsie opens in March, which gives you plenty of time to watch the 1982 film starring Dustin Hoffman as an actor who lands a job by pretending he’s a woman.
Disney's Frozen
April 8-25, 2021
If your kids are lamenting the fact that Disney theme parks are closed, you can lift their spirits by revealing that Disney’s Frozen will hit the ASU Gammage stage in April. That’s just over a year from now, so you’ll be more than a little ready to “let it go” by the time that curtain opens to a wintry scene of wonder.
To Kill a Mockingbird
June 8-13, 2021
If you favor drama over musicals, you'll be pleased to know that the final show in the 2020-2021 season for ASU Gammage is the To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s an adaptation of Harper Lee’s classic tale written by Aaron Sorkin, creator of the political drama West Wing and screenwriter of Moneyball and The Social Network.
Jersey Boys (Season Option)
May 21-23, 2021
Although it isn’t part of the season package, Jersey Boys, the musical inspired by the life of singer Frankie Valli, hits Tempe in May. By then, the days of social distancing should be well behind us. Who knows? You might even appreciate that guy sitting right behind you, crooning every word of "My Eyes Adored You."
The 2020-2021 season at ASU Gammage, 1200 South Forest Avenue, Tempe, is scheduled to run from September 15, 2020 to June 13, 2021. Ticket prices vary. Visit asugammage.com.