Pictured: Cast of the 2017 production of “42nd Street.” Photo by Brett Beiner Photography.

Drury Lane Theatre has announced its 2020/2021 season, which includes two Tony Award-winning musicals—”Evita,” based on the life of Argentinian First Lady Eva Perón, and Rogers and Hammerstein musical “The King and I.” The 66th season also includes “Steel Magnolias,” “Forever Plaid,” and Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn.”

“Passion is the driving force behind our 2020-2021 season,” comments President Kyle DeSantis. “From strong women driven to make a difference to talented men dedicated to the art form they love, the characters in our next season strive to bring out the best in those around them. We hope our audiences fall in love with these stories and are as moved by these characters as we are..”

Drury Lane Theatre’s 2020/2021 Season (from the press release):

“Evita”
Lyrics by Tim Rice
Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber
Originally Directed by Harold Prince
April 10 – June 14, 2020

Based on true events, “Evita” tells the story of Eva Perón’s rags-to-riches life as she goes from poor provincial child to First Lady of Argentina. A champion of the working-class descamisados, she uses popularity and politics to serve her people – and herself. Featuring some of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most iconic songs, including “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina,” this musical masterpiece won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The 1996 film adaptation was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning for Best Original Song.

“Steel Magnolias”
By Robert Harling
July 2 – August 23, 2020

In a beauty parlor in northwestern Louisiana, life is anything but boring. “Steel Magnolias” follows six women over the course of three years as they face life’s challenges together and find comfort in one another. Embracing both laughter and tears, this story celebrates the power of female friendship. The play received one Drama Desk Award nomination, and the popular film adaptation was nominated for an Academy Award and two Golden Globes.

“Forever Plaid”
Written and Originally Directed and Choreographed by Stuart Ross
Musical Continuity Supervision and Arrangements by James Raitt
Originally Produced by Gene Wolsk
September 4 – October 25, 2020

On the way to their first big gig, tragedy strikes Forever Plaid, a “guy group” specializing in barbershop quartet harmonies and pitch-perfect melodies. “Forever Plaid” begins when the guys are given the chance to perform from the afterlife. This smash hit musical is a nostalgic homage to the music of the ‘50s and includes hits such as “Three Coins in the Fountain” and “Love is a Many-Splendored Thing.”

Irving Berlin’s “Holiday Inn”
Based on the film from Universal Pictures
Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin
Book by Gordon Greenberg and Chad Hodge
November 6, 2020 – January 3, 2021

Based on the classic film, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn follows retired song-and-dance man Jim’s efforts to bring entertainment to his small Connecticut town. With the help of talented schoolteacher Linda, he turns his farmhouse into an inn and puts on spectacular shows celebrating all holidays. This joyous, family-friendly musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a parade of Irving Berlin’s hit songs, including the Academy Award-winning “White Christmas.”

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I”
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Based on Anna and The King of Siam by Margaret Landon
Original Choreography by Jerome Robbins
January 15 – March 21, 2021

British tutor Anna Leonowens and the King of Siam struggle with cultural differences after Anna arrives at the royal palace in Bangkok. Inspired by true events, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I” is a tale of the human experience, exploring the historical intricacies of class, race, and politics in 1862. Featuring beloved songs like “Shall We Dance?” and “Getting to Know You,” this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic won 13 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Revival of a Musical. The 1957 movie adaptation was nominated for nine Academy Awards, winning five, including Best Score.