NEWS RELEASE – After a record-breaking season with 31 sold-out shows, repeat recognition as one of Pollstar’s Top 150 Theatres in the World, and performances from incredible artists across genres, The Grand Theater on Monday announced the lineup for its 2020-2021 season.
Since they were not able to gather in person to celebrate the launch of the season, The Grand announced its 2020/21 Season via a virtual preview party on Monday evening. The announcement featured videos of all the shows on the season, special guest appearances by several of the artists, and performances from the Central Wisconsin Jerry Ensemble. The full broadcast is available on The Grand’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website at www.grandtheater.org.
The new season is full of Tony and Grammy Award winners, Broadway hits, music legends, holiday shows, and some of the hottest touring acts today. Blockbuster shows like Riverdance and Blue Man Group will return to The Grand this year, and Broadway smash hits Anastasia and Waitress will make their Wausau debuts. The legendary rock band Three Dog Night and country icon Wynonna Judd and her band The Big Noise are also featured on the season, as well as Wausau favorites The TEN Tenors, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, the illusionist Bill Blagg, and more.
Due to late changes with tour dates, the annual season brochure has transitioned into a digital brochure to accommodate date changes in real time. The full brochure is available on The Grand’s website. Since they were not able to print and mail brochures this year, The Grand will also host a “20/21 Season Brochure Walk” around the building. Starting with the doors under the Marquee, each show will be featured on a different door of the venue.
“We know that things might be a little different for the upcoming season, but we are committed to our mission of bringing the best in the performing arts to our region,” said Sean Wright, Executive Director of The Grand. “We are working with health officials and industry leaders to ensure that our venue is safe for all patrons, performers, volunteers and staff whenever we are able to gather again. While that is still uncertain right now, one thing we know for sure is that this long ‘intermission’ has reminded us more than ever of the power of the arts and of coming together to enjoy them. These are challenging times for artists and arts organizations alike and we hope that the announcement of the new season will give us all something to look forward to in the months ahead.”
All of the shows on The Grand’s 2020/21 Season are available for season subscription at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, June 2 online at www.grandtheater.org and by phone at 715-842-0988. The Grand’s Ticket Office remains closed to the public at this time, but staff are available to answer questions and take orders by phone.
The best way to experience this amazing season is by becoming a Grand Theater Season Subscriber.
Season subscription packages start at four shows and feature a discount of up to 15% depending on subscription level. Subscribers also receive priority seating, unprecedented flexibility for ticket exchanges and returns, an installment payment plan, access to exclusive events, and more. Contact the ticket office at 715-842-0988 or online at www.grandtheater.org to subscribe. Single-show tickets go on sale on July 7, 2020 at 9:00 AM.
2020/21 Season Lineup
Three Dog Night – October 2, 2020
Celebrating nearly five decades as one of the world’s most legendary rock bands, Three Dog Night opens the 2020-21 Season at The Grand!
Wynonna & The Big Noise – October 8, 2020
Wynonna Judd and her incredible band, The Big Noise, bring a night of country, rock, and more to The Grand.
The TEN Tenors: Home for the Holidays – November 17, 2020
After a sold-out show in 2018, international superstars The TEN Tenors return, opening their North American tour of Home for the Holidays.
Judy Collins & Arlo Guthrie – November 20, 2020
Folk music legends Judy Collins and Arlo Guthrie will join together for one amazing night of music, storytelling, and more.
An Olde English Christmas with Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone – December 17, 2020
Heavy on hits and led by Peter Noone, the iconic English 60s beat band Herman’s Hermits comes to The Grand this holiday season, featuring holiday hits and a playlist that will transport audiences back in time.
The John Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza – December 18, 2020
With over two decades of sold-out shows, nothing says Christmas in Wausau like The John Altenburgh Christmas Extravaganza. With an all-star lineup, it’s a night of the best of jazz, blues, and the holiday songs you know and love.
The Music of Billy Joel & Elton John starring Michael Cavanaugh – January 15, 2021
Tony and Grammy-nominated Cavanaugh was made famous for his piano and vocal skills in Movin’ Out, the 2002 hit Broadway musical featuring the music of Billy Joel. He’ll share all of the classic hits from both Billy Joel and Elton John—from “Rocket Man” to “Piano Man” and so many more!
The Magic of Bill Blagg LIVE! – January 22, 2021
One of the most entertaining magic and illusion shows on the road today, The Magic of Bill Blagg LIVE! is filled with audience participation, unbelievable illusions, and of course Bill’s trademark off-the-cuff humor, creating an experience unlike any other!
Russian National Ballet: Swan Lake – January 26, 2021
Selling out The Grand season after season, world-class ballet returns to the stage with the Russian National Ballet’s performance of Swan Lake. Some of Russia’s finest dancers will treat audiences to the beloved story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse.
Waitress – January 27 & 28, 2021
After a last-minute postponement in March, the Broadway smash hit WAITRESS returns to The Grand for two nights!
John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party” – February 5, 2021
This evening of nostalgic hits is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper’s final tour, and a fun-filled trip back to the ‘50s!
The World of Musicals – February 9, 2021
The World of Musicals brings the very best of musical theater to life! This captivating production is an emotional journey through the great world of musicals that will leave audiences spellbound.
Portland Cello Project: Purple Reign – February 18, 2021
The nation’s premiere alt-classical ensemble turns The Grand purple, blending their skilled virtuosity with the artistic power of Prince! Joined by musicians who have worked closely with Prince, Portland Cello Project delivers a lively evening of diversely-curated music that influenced or was influenced by The Purple One.
Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show – February 24 & 25, 2021
A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy Award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years later, the original creative team has completely reimagined this groundbreaking and spectacular show.
A Tribute to Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul – March 10, 2021
This show pairs the legendary music Aretha Franklin with some of the artists who knew her best. Musician, vocalist, and composer Damien Sneed toured along with her for many years and created this brand-new multi-media production to pay tribute to one of the legends of music history, featuring four-time Grammy winner Karen Clark Sheard and a group of all-star musicians.
The Four Phantoms – March 19, 2021
An extravagant celebration of the iconic music of Broadway and more, The Four Phantoms brings together four former Phantoms from the Tony Award-winning The Phantom of the Opera for an unforgettable night of entertainment.
Red Hot Chilli Pipers – March 25, 2021
Back by popular demand, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers return to The Grand! Audiences love this 9-piece ensemble – consisting of pipers, guitarists, keyboards, and drummers – and their unique fusion of rocked-up bagpipes and clever covers of popular songs from all genres.
Young@Heart Chorus – April 13, 2021
What started out in 1982 at a Western Massachusetts elderly housing project to joyfully pass the time has developed into the stereotype-defying, generation-crossing, musical extravaganza known as the Young@Heart Chorus. This group of fearless seniors, ranging in age from 75 to 92, has performed on over 55 tours around the world, proving it’s “possible to grow old without growing boring.”
Mark O’Connor Band – April 16, 2021
Led by one of the most iconic fiddlers in American history, Grammy Award winner Mark O’Connor, this bluegrass band is known for their engaging, dynamic live shows showcasing compelling arrangements, virtuosic solos, and tight vocal harmonies.
RAIN – A Tribute to The Beatles – April 27, 2021
This stunning concert event takes you back in time with the legendary foursome delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that is the next best thing to the Beatles themselves!
Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute – May 6, 2021
This sensational tribute to one of the most iconic bands of all time captures the energy of Fleetwood Mac at the height of their career by blending perfect harmonies, precise instrumentation, and authentic choreography and costumes, replicating those magical moments in music history that Fleetwood Mac fans cherish and can now relive again and again.
Blue Man Group – June 27, 2021
It’s everything you know and love about Blue Man Group – signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity, and quirky comedy – the men are still blue but the rest is all new! Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction, and hilarious absurdity, join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages.
Anastasia – October 19 & 20, 2021
With its opulent settings, dazzling costumes, and a soaring score including the favorite songs from the hit animated film, the Broadway smash hit ANASTASIA is the spectacular new musical about discovering who you are and defining who you’re meant to be.
