Forum Upgrades and the 2009-2010 Broadway Theater League Season Announced (Binghamton, NY) –Today, Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala was joined Albert Nocciolino, President and CEO of NAC Entertainment/Broadway Theatre League to announce the 34th Anniversary season and several improvements taking place at the Forum Theater in downtown Binghamton. This year, the 2009-2010 M&T Bank Broadway Season features the Global Smash Hit MAMMA MIA! which will take to the stage on December 11th. New carpeting was recently installed inside the Forum and additional stage improvements are being completed this summer.

“The Forum is a historic, high quality entertainment venue,” said Executive Barbara J. Fiala. “We have established a public private partnership with community members to reduce reliance on taxpayer funds to help generate funding for improvements and restorative work at the Forum. This year we have many stellar acts coming to the Forum including the acclaimed Broadway Theater League’s 34th Anniversary Season.”

Currently, the Forum is undergoing several renovations to modernize the facility while preserving its historic décor. Recent upgrades have included: expanding stage doors to allow for easier access and new front of house rigging that better supports advanced lighting and sound as well as new carpeting. Future plans include installation of new seating.

Board members of the Broome County Veteran’s Memorial Arena and Forum have recently joined together to form a public private partnership as the Friends of the Forum to begin raising funds for upgrades at the Forum. This concerted effort will begin a campaign of fundraising events to reduce reliance on taxpayer funds to carry out facility preservation and expansion.

“We’re very excited about the renovations to the Forum, allowing us to bring the larger National Tours to Broome County, and enhance the theatrical experience for our community,” said Albert Nocciolino, President and CEO of NAC Entertainment/Broadway Theatre League. “When we go to the theatre, we park our cars, we eat in restaurants, and we stay in our hotels. The economic impact of the theatre and the arts has a significant effect on our local businesses.”

The M&T Bank Season includes the following five shows:

MAMMA MIA!

December 11 – 13, 2009

AVENUE Q

October 18, 2009

AVENUE Q is Broadway’s smash-hit 2005 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. A hilarious show full of heart and hummable tunes, Avenue Q is about trying to make it in NYC with big dreams and a tiny bank account. Called “one of the funniest shows you’re ever likely to see” by Entertainment Weekly, Avenue Q features a cast of people and puppets who tell the story in a smart, risqué and downright entertaining way. The New York calls it “SUBVERSIVE and UPRAORIOUS!”

The show contains strong language and adult themes and may not be appropriate for everyone.

WIZARD OF OZ

November 22, 2009

There truly is no place like home as the greatest family musical of all time, the wonderful WIZARD OF OZ, twists its way into Binghamton! The entire family will be captivated as they travel down the Yellow Brick Road and beyond with Dorothy, Toto and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow in this lavish production, featuring breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs.

CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION

February 14, 2010

From the creators of the groundbreaking BROADWAY HIT Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasycomes an all new journey of nighttime dreamers whose imaginations are ignited within a landscape of towering buildings and infinite possibilities. Created and Directed by Neil Goldberg, Cirque Dreams Illumination has been hailed as “Dazzling!...a reason to stand up and cheer” by the New York Daily News. Audiences of all ages will marvel and experience a journey of city dwellers who reinvent everyday objects, balance beyond belief, delicately dangle from wires, leap tall buildings and redefine the risks of flight in an array of astounding occurrences that transform the ordinary into extraordinary.

THE RAT PACK IS BACK!

April 18, 2010

The Rat Pack is Back! Recreates one of the famous “Summit at the Sands” hotel shows, when the swinging’ ring-a-ding group known as the “Rat Pack” was creating hipster legend with a free wheeling, no-holds-barred nightclub act of Las Vegas four favorite sons: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop. Uncanny vocal recreations, unbridled hilarity, and a swingin’ live big-band send audiences straight to the coolest time in history, with all-time hits such as “Come Fly with Me,” “That’s Amore”, “Mr. Bojangles,” and much, much more!

SEASON SPECIAL

RIVERDANCE

PLUS don’t miss RIVERDANCE The Farewell Tour as the season SPECIAL. RIVERDANCE, the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, will play two Farewell Performances at the Forum.

Season subscription prices range from $263 to $136 and are available by calling the Broadway Theatre League at 772-1391. Subscriber benefits include guaranteed seating, never miss a sold out show, first chance to purchase additional tickets to the Broadway Theatre League’s shows and specials, exclusive ticket exchange and lost ticket insurance.

The 2009-2010 M&T Bank Broadway Season is sponsored by WMXW 103.3, WBNG TV12, Serafini Volvo and the Press & Sun-Bulletin. A portion of the M&T Bank sponsorship will benefit the Broome County Arts Council.

For more information on the Broadway Theatre League and upcoming shows, check out our website at: broadwaybinghamton.com. For more information about the Broome County Forum visit: www.broomeforum.com. Posted: 6/17/2009 12:13 pm

Binghamton Night Life ( NightLife ), RMC