'Kinky Boots,' 'Book of Mormon' coming to TPAC

With four of the seven shows in its freshly announced season in the first year of national tours, Tennessee Performing Arts Center has landed an HCA/TriStar Health Broadway at TPAC series that will likely make more than just Nashville audiences sit up and take notice.

ONCE: Sept. 16-21

Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards including Best Musical, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights. But their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It's an unforgettable story about going for your dreams, not living in fear and the power of music to connect all of us.

CHICAGO WITH JOHN O'HURLEY: Oct. 21-26

A true New York City institution, CHICAGO has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz; one show-stopping-song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you've ever seen. No wonder CHICAGO has been honored with six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, a Grammy and thousands of standing ovations. It's also no surprise that CHICAGO has wowed audiences all around the world, from Mexico City to Moscow, from Sao Paulo to South Africa. Whether you're looking for your first Broadway musical, whether you've seen the Academy Award-winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or whether you've seen it before and want to recapture the magic, CHICAGO always delivers.

EVITA: Nov. 4-9

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony Award-winning musical returns at last! Eva Perón used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as first lady. Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world - while her greed, outsized ambition and fragile health made her one of the most tragic. EVITA tells Eva's passionate and unforgettable true story, and features some of theater's most beautiful songs, including "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "Another Suitcase in Another Hall," and "High Flying, Adored." Don't miss the stunning new production of EVITA, directed by Michael Grandage and choreographed by Rob Ashford, that Channel 4 New York calls "the hottest ticket in town!"

KINKY BOOTS: Feb. 3-8, 2015

KINKY BOOTS is the exhilarating Broadway musical that will lift your spirits to new high-heeled heights! Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, this inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible, proving that when you change your mind about someone, you can change your whole world. Inspired by a true story, KINKY BOOTS features a joyous, Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper, direction and Tony-winning choreography by Jerry Mitchell and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner Harvey Fierstein. Come join the sold-out audiences who've discovered why - sometimes - the best way to fit in is to stand out! "There is no show hotter than KINKY BOOTS!" - CBS News

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT: Feb. 17-22, 2015

One of the most enduring shows of all time, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is the irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel's favorite son. Directed and choreographed by Tony Award-winner Andy Blankenbuehler, this new production will feature Broadway/television star Diana DeGarmo ("Hairspray," "Hair") as The Narrator and Broadway star Ace Young ("Grease," "Hair") as Joseph. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs including "Those Canaan Days," "Any Dream Will Do" and "Close Every Door."

PIPPIN: March 10-15, 2015

Join us for this magical, unforgettable production The New York Times declared "Astonishing! A Pippin for the 21st Century." The 2013 Tony Award winner for Best Musical Revival is back for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago. With a beloved score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz ("Godspell," "Wicked"), PIPPIN tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory? This captivating new production is directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus ("Hair" and "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess"). PIPPIN features sizzling choreography in the style of Bob Fosse and breathtaking acrobatics by Les 7 Doigts De La Main, the creative force behind the nationwide sensation "Traces."

NEWSIES: May 26-31, 2015

They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines... Direct from Broadway comes NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney. Winner of the 2012 Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Choreography, NEWSIES has audiences and critics alike calling it "a musical worth singing about!" (The New York Times) Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it's a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don't want to miss.

THE BOOK OF MORMON: Nov. 18-23 (Broadway Special)

Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls it "the best musical of this century." Entertainment Weekly says it's "the funniest musical of all time." From "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it's THE BOOK OF MORMON, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical. Jon Stewart of "The Daily Show" calls it "a crowning achievement. So good it makes me angry." Contains explicit language.

RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL: Dec. 16-21 (Broadway Special)

Based on the beloved stop-motion classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season. From fleeing the Abominable Snow Monster to saving Christmas, join Rudolph and his friends Clarice, Hermey the Elf, and Yukon Cornelius as their adventures teach us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don't miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the little misfit in all of us.

BLUE MAN GROUP: Jan. 6-11, 2015 (Broadway Special)

Experience the Phenomenon. BLUE MAN GROUP is best known for its wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts, which combine comedy, music and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The New York Times heralds the show as "One of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged." "E! Entertainment News" exclaims, "Blue Man Group is what every live performance aspires to be." The Baltimore Sun raves, "Blue Man Group packs a wallop. It's a big, loud, funny, silly, visually arresting production!" Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that Blue Man Group is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous show that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state. With no spoken language, Blue Man Group is perfect for people of all ages, languages, and cultures. Blue Man Group is now on the road with its first national theatrical tour; guaranteed to be a performance you will never forget!

- Synopses courtesy of Tennessee Performing Arts Center