Broadway at Music Circus Subscriber Showcase

(UPDATED 3/20/2021) Description of the 2018 Broadway At Music Circus Subscriber Showcase and the background on the recently announced re-branding of the California Musical Theatre.

Broadway Sacramento

The California Musical Theatre has, effective immediately, changed its name to Broadway Sacramento.

At the 2018 Broadway at Music Circus Subscriber Showcase, season ticketholders heard from management about the reasoning behind the change.

Many long-time Sacramento residents remember, prior to the 2003 move into the permanent structure of the Wells Fargo Pavilion, that Music Circus shows took place on a circular stage under a canvas tent – not unlike a traditional circus.  The name made sense at the time – but times have changed.

Despite its 67 years in existence, it was discovered that many people were unfamiliar with Music Circus, and/or did not realize that it was part of the same company that presents the touring Broadway shows at the Community Center Theater.

It was decided that “Broadway Sacramento” in two words articulates what the company does – bring Broadway talent and Broadway shows to Sacramento.

SacramentoRevealed.com – All Things Sacramento (from a personal perspective)

The Broadway shows the company produces at the Wells Fargo Pavilion during the summer will now be called Broadway At Music Circus.  The national touring Broadway shows presented at the Community Center Theater during the fall, winter and spring will now be called Broadway On Tour.

The name change makes sense to me.   As an aside – it was announced at the Subscriber Showcase that to date annual subscriptions are up – 1,000 more than last season!

Broadway At Music Circus 2018 Subscriber Showcase

The annual Subscriber Showcase at what is now Broadway At Music Circus is an event that I always look forward to – and this year was no different.

Six performers who will be performing this summer individually took to the stage to sing a song from their upcoming performance and another song of their choice.  In several cases they also shared a little bit about themselves.  Based on the performances given, this upcoming Broadway at Music Circus season will be a real treat.

I am always amazed at the talent (the newly re-named) Broadway At Music Circus attracts.  Many of the actors, directors and choreographers have performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in national touring shows, in movies and on TV.  I am under the impression from comments made by the performers that word-of-mouth among industry professionals has something to do with it.  Certainly only a select few of those who apply are auditioned, and a smaller number still secure roles (the number of openings varies per season).

Of the six talents we enjoyed during the 2018 Subscriber Showcase I want to call out one in particular – Francesca Arostegui.  Francesca Arostegui, a Sacramento native, will be playing Sophie in Mamma Mia!  after touring over 75 cities with the national tour of the show.  As a child in Sacramento Francesca performed at Music Circus in Evita, Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Fiddler on the Roof and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers!

The lineup of shows this summer are:

• June – Singin’ In the Rain & 7 Brides for 7 Brothers
• July – Newsies & Gypsy
• August – Mamma Mia! & Little Shop of Horrors

See related blog posts:  Sacramento Music Circus – A Summertime Tradition and 2019 Broadway at Music Circus Subscriber Showcase and Music Circus 66th Season Opens With Legally Blonde and  Music Circus Subscriber Showcase 2017 

Comments on Broadway Sacramento?  Broadway At Music Circus?  Broadway On Tour?

What is your opinion of the rebranding/renaming?

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