Roanoke’s professional theatre today announced its 51st Season of stage productions, educational programs for youth and the newly expanded concert series.  Mill Mountain Theatre’s 2016 Season will build on beloved community traditions and is designed to create stellar audience experiences.

“The season honors the traditions that have made MMT so much a part of life in Roanoke,” said Ginger Poole, producing artistic director.  “One of those is big musicals that consume the stage and fill the hearts of audiences.  Another is seeing talented youth on stage in shows that challenge them to reach new goals.  In 2016 we will perform shows that match those expectations and that we know audiences will love,”

The Season includes:

•Hollins-Mill Mountain Theatre Winter Festival of New Works.  This collaboration with Hollins University’s Theatre Institute provides the stage to showcase two newly created plays, Coupler: A whimsical Underground comedy by Meredith Dayna Levy, Jan. 22-31, 2016; and SamanthaDied.com, by Taylor Gruenloh, Feb. 19-28, 2016.

•Smokey Joe’s Café, a musical revue packed with memorable tunes of Rock, Rhythm and Blues, including “Hound Dog,” “Jailhouse Rock” and “Stand by Me.”  This show garnered seven Tony nominations and was the longest-running musical review in Broadway history.  It will be on MMT’s Trinkle Main Stage April 27-May 8, 2016.

•Into the Woods Jr., the youth version of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale with music by Stephen Sondheim.  This epic is about wishes, family and choices we all must make, an entertaining lesson for kids.  It will feature student actors and theatre technicians from the MMT Conservatory education wing, on the Trinkle Main Stage July 27-August 7, 2016.

•The Odd Couple, one of Neil Simon’s greatest comedies, proves that opposites do attract.  A happy and surprising story about two recently divorced men who become roommates by necessity and friends through hard work.  On the Trinkle Main Stage September 29-October 9, 2016.

•Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, full of dancing, romance and laughter set it snowy Vermont with beloved songs “Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,” “Happy Holidays,” “Blue Skies” and the unforgettable title song.  On the Trinkle Main Stage, November 30- December 18, 2016.

Mill Mountain Music, a series of easy, casual evenings to lay back with a beverage and familiar music, will expand in 2016 to three concerts, each played two consecutive evenings.  They include:

•The Music of Motown, March 11 and 12, 2016, featuring medleys and powerhouse songs made popular by The Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight and The Pips.

•The Music of ABBA, June 3 and 4, 2016, an opportunity to dance in the aisles to “Mamma Mia,” “S.O.S.”, “Money, Money, Money,” “Waterloo,” Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” and “Dancing Queen.”

•Holiday Music, Dec. 20 and 21, a perfect evening for the family to step into holiday mode without the frenzy.  Cast members from White Christmas and other MMT alums will lead the singing of songs for a special time of year.

Also announced on Thursday was the return of Season Tickets at Mill Mountain Theatre.  This audience service that has not been available since 2009 returns with special advantages and a limited-time discount price.  If purchased before Dec. 1, 2015,  Season Tickets give patrons three professional main-stage shows for the price of two regular tickets. Contact our box office at 540-342-5740 for details about this 33% discount deal.

For more information contact: John Levin, development@millmountain.org or 540-342-5761.