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Season 37 musicals include the San Diego Regional Premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Sunset Boulevard;’ and Moonlight Stage Production premieres of Elton John and Tim Rice’s ‘Aida,’ Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid,’ and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘In the Heights’ April 20, 2017 – As the curtain goes up the stage heats up with an amazing presentation of musicals for Moonlight Stage Productions’ 2017 summer season at the Moonlight Amphitheatre. The company’s offerings are all new to its stage for Season 37, with the San Diego Regional Premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard,” along with the Moonlight premieres of Elton John and Tim Rice’s “Aida,” Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights.” Steven Glaudini, producing artistic director of Moonlight Stage Productions describes the line-up as the “most diverse season ever produced” in the history of the Moonlight. The musicals presented at Moonlight Amphitheatre are the best of both worlds as audiences enjoy quality productions, outdoors and under the stars in a venue unlike any other in San Diego County. As the sun sets, the curtain goes up, revealing Broadway sets and costumes, and live orchestra accompaniment. Guests refer to the City of Vista’s Moonlight Stage Productions as “Broadway’s Best Under the Stars,” as they often feature the best regional actors and Broadway veterans. The 37th season schedule includes the following productions: “Aida” Music by Elton John Lyrics by Tim Rice Book by Linda Woolverton, Robert Falls and David Henry Hwang June 14 – July 1, 2017 – Moonlight Premiere Opening Night: Wednesday, June 14, 2017 Performance at 8 p.m. Moonlight Amphitheatre The triumphant love story between an Egyptian prince and a slave transcends warring nations and brings a country together. Winner of four 2000 Tony Awards, Elton John and Tim Rice's “Aida” is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal chronicling the love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess stolen from her country, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love. As their forbidden love blossoms, Aida is forced to weigh her heart against the responsibility she faces as leader of her people. The love Aida and Radames has for one another becomes a shining example of true devotion that ultimately transcends the vast cultural differences between their warring nations, heralding a time of unprecedented peace and prosperity. With an unforgettable score featuring soaring ballads and rousing choral numbers, “Aida” is a rock version of the Verdi opera. “The Little Mermaid” Music by Alan Menken Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater Book by Doug Wright Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and the Disney film produced by Howard Ashman & John Musker and written & directed by John Musker & Ron Clements Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions July 19 – Aug. 5, 2017 – Moonlight Premiere Performance at 8 p.m. Opening Night: Wednesday, July 19, 2017 Moonlight Amphitheatre Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen's most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney's “The Little Mermaid” is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. With music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a compelling book by Doug Wright, this fishy fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, including "Under the Sea," "Kiss the Girl," and "Part of Your World." Ariel, King Triton's youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human, Prince Eric, in the world above and bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But, the bargain is not what it seems and Ariel needs the help of her colorful friends Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull, and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea. “Sunset Boulevard” Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Book and Lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton Based on the Billy Wilder Film Aug. 16 – Sept. 2, 2017 – San Diego Regional Premiere Performance at 8 p.m. Opening Night: Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2017 Moonlight Amphitheatre “Sunset Boulevard” weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. Silent movie star, Norma Desmond, longs for a return to the big screen, having been discarded by tinsel town with the advent of “talkies.” Her glamour has faded in all but her mind. When she meets struggling Hollywood screen-writer Joe Gillis in dramatic circumstances, their subsequent passionate and volatile relationship leads to an unforeseen and tragic conclusion. Based on the film noir classic by Billy Wilder that starred Gloria Swanson and William Holden, it received seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and features some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most soaring melodies including, “With One Look” and “As If We Never Said Goodbye.” “In the Heights” Music and Lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda Book by Quiara Alegría Hudes Conceived By Lin-Manuel Miranda Sept. 13 – 30, 2017 – Moonlight Premiere Performance at 7:30 p.m. Opening Night: Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017 Moonlight Amphitheatre From Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the current Broadway hit “Hamilton,” “In the Heights” tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind. “In the Heights” is the winner of the 2008 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Choreography and Best Orchestrations. With support from the Moonlight Cultural Foundation, Moonlight Stage Productions is regarded as one of Southern California’s most professional performing arts institutions. The foundation promotes philanthropy in North County, benefiting quality theatrical performances at the Moonlight Amphitheatre. Together, the City of Vista and the foundation partnership presents extraordinary live theatre to nearly 80,000 guests each year. Theatre arts rely on two sources of income: funds raised from ticket sales and philanthropic contributions from private donors. “Contributions from the public help the Moonlight continue to present the highest quality live theatre generations have come to expect for more than three decades,” says Toria Watson, chief executive officer, Moonlight Cultural Foundation. “We welcome community involvement at any level from donating through our Kindness Meter to sponsoring a production, every bit counts.” To make a donation, contact the Moonlight Cultural Foundation at 760-630-7650 or visit www.moonlightfoundation.com. TICKET INFORMATION Tickets for Season 37 are now on sale. For more information, call 760-724-2110 or visit moonilghtstage.com. PICNICKING AT THE MOONLIGHT One of the most unique theatre-going experiences found anywhere is Moonlight’s lawn seating, allowing patrons to bring their own picnic suppers into the theatre and picnicking before the show. Lawn ticket holders receive a chair as part of their ticket upon entry to the theatre. ARTISAN CAFÉ AT THE MOONLIGHT The Moonlight’s restaurant, the Artisan Café, is operated by Chef David Krohn. The Café offers pre-show dining outdoors on the Moonlight Patio where glimpses of the sunset can be seen before patrons take their seats for the show. The Café also offers delicious intermission snacks to all theatregoers including beverages. To view the Café’s menu, visit www.moonlightstage.com. For information and reservations, call 760-828-0596. MOONLIGHT AMPHITHEATRE 1200 Vale Terrace Drive, Vista, Calif. Gates open for picnicking and dining 90 minutes before curtain. Non-alcoholic beverages and food may be brought into the Amphitheatre. Parking is free