Aurora’s Paramount Theatre announced the shows that make up their upcoming season, including a world-premiere new musical by Chicago writers Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler.

“From the streets of Victorian New York during the newsboys strike, to an 18th century French fairytale’s enchanted castle, to a present-day New York romp about the meteoric rise of a corporate climbing upstart, to a failing British shoe factory rescued by a drag queen, there’s something for everyone in our soul-stirring, heart-pounding Season Nine of Paramount’s Broadway Series,” said Jim Corti, Artistic Director.

The first two shows are the musical versions of Disney classics — NEWSIES, directed by Corti in September, and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST directed by Amber Mak for the holiday season.

In February, Paramount will premiere the new musical THE SECRET OF MY SUCCESS, based on the 1987 film starring Michael J. Fox as Brantley Foster, a young ambitious Midwesterner, who moves to New York City to start his dream job at a major corporation, only to be laid off on the very first day. In his enthusiasm to succeed, he finds himself tangled up in a sidesplitting scheme in which he assumes the identity of rising executive Carlton Whitfield. The book is by Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen, and the score by Chicago’s Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler. Greenberg will direct.

Closing out the season is the Chicago premiere of KINKY BOOTS, book by Harvey Fierstein, lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, directed by Trent Stork in April.

Paramount now says it boasts the second largest subscription audience in the nation. Series packages start at $72. Renewals begin today, Monday, February 4 at 10 a.m. During the renewal process, new subscribers can pre-order before the general public to get in line for seats. Pre-order reservations can be made online only at ParamountAurora.com, for the first week. Starting Monday, February 11 at 10 a.m., new subscribers can pre-order over the phone or in person. Single tickets go on sale in June.

For information, visit ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or visit the box office at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora.