Maize & Blue on Broadway 2024
Hello School of Music,Theatre & Dance Audience Members!
I would like to extend a special invitation to register for the SMTD Department of Musical Theatre’s annual Maize & Blue on Broadway tour. After a 3-year hiatus, we’re excited to announce that the tour is back on schedule for this coming May 6-10, 2024. I encourage you to join us for a unique theater experience that is both “Broadway and Michigan” through and through!
On the tour, we will see 3 Broadway shows, all with Michigan graduates in the cast or connected with the production in other capacities. During our 3 mornings in New York, we will meet with Michigan Musical Theatre alums who are working on Broadway, including in the shows we are seeing. You’ll gain insights about the rehearsal process, changes that happened during previews, unique elements of the writing, challenges of the choreography, and more behind-the-scenes details that will make your viewing experience truly revelatory. This is indeed an insider’s view of the professional theater world. And in the process, you’ll end up being even more proud of the impact Michigan graduates are having on the Broadway theater industry.
Each of the shows we attend will be new productions, not long-running shows, adding a layer of excitement to the experience. In the past, many of these shows have won Tony Awards in June, shortly after our trip. And some of our graduates have been nominated — or have won!
It would be a pleasure to introduce you to some of our many Michigan graduates who are not only great ambassadors for the theater profession, but are proud representatives of the University of Michigan.
Sincerely,
Brent Wagner
Arthur Thurnau Emeritus Chair and Robertson Emeritus Professor of Musical Theatre
About Your Host
Brent Wagner
Arthur Thurnau Emeritus Chair and Robertson Emeritus Professor of Musical Theatre
Brent Wagner was chair of the Department of Musical Theatre for 32 years and is credited with building the department into one of the top musical theatre programs in the world. Before joining the Michigan faculty in 1984 he taught at Syracuse University. He has directed musicals and revues throughout North America, from off-Broadway in New York to the Banff Center in Alberta, Canada. He has collaborated with Sheldon Harnick on numerous projects, including a new opera at the O’Neill Theater Center, as well as the world premiere of A Wonderful Life (music by Joe Raposo), and his recent musical Dragons, both of which were staged at the University of Michigan.
Wagner is currently teaching the first-year Introduction to Musical Theatre and the upper-level History of Musical Theatre courses. He holds an Arthur Thurnau Professorship, an award for outstanding instruction at the undergraduate level. Among many responsibilities, Mr. Wagner also directed the senior showcase, presented annually in New York City.
Travel Package
Per Person, Double Occupancy (Land Only)- Four nights at the Westin Grand Central
- Daily breakfast at the hotel
- Two dinners at the hotel, with cocktail reception
- Morning Q & A with U of M alumni
- Tickets to three Broadway shows
- Assistance of Gene and Rita Werthman
- Programming by Arthur Thurnau Emeritus Chair, Robertson Emeritus Professor of Musical Theatre, Brent Wagner
- Travel to New York City not included
- Space is limited and the registration window closes on Friday, November 3, 2023.
Trip Code: 86527
Group Code: 17816
Accommodations
We will be staying at the Grand Central Westin. This is a lovely hotel that will be perfect for our daily interviews with the graduates, along with our opening and closing night dinners. Most of the theaters are a 20 to 25-minute walk each way. Additionally, taxis are available, and a direct subway line runs between Times Square and Grand Central.
Performances
Because the productions are new, the specific titles will not be announced until January. Unlike many commercial tours, you’ll be signing up for the trip without knowing the titles, which we guarantee adds to the uniqueness of the trip.
Optional Activities
Travelers will have time for “New York activities” of their choosing on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, after our morning sessions with the graduates. In the past, many participants have chosen to attend a matinee on Wednesday. We will provide a list of all Michigan alums appearing on Broadway, including those in long-running productions, as an option for Wednesday afternoon. We recommend planning for considerable walking. Luckily, in May the weather is usually very pleasant and comfortable in New York City.
The tour will be orchestrated by Corporate Travel Service in Northville, MI and can be done entirely online!
FOR TRIP RELATED QUESTIONS PRIOR TO REGISTRATION, CONTACT DAVID O’BRIEN AT [email protected]
REGISTRATION QUESTIONS? VISIT CTSCENTRAL.NET TO BROWSE OUR FAQ’S OR CALL 866.550.1081 TO SPEAK TO A RESERVATIONS SPECIALIST
Corporate Travel Service
41780 Six Mile Road, Suite 100, Northville, MI 48168
T: 866.550.1081 | ctscentral.net
Some Helpful Information:
PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Deposit: $350 per person to book
2nd Deposit: $1,250 per person due on or before 12/08/23
Final Payment: Balance due on or before 02/21/24
TRAVEL PROTECTION:
Travel insurance is highly recommended. The Cancel For Any Reason option must be purchased within 14 days of the initial trip deposit. The group travel insurance link will be provided during online registration.
All cancellations must be received in writing. All Payments are non-refundable and subject to CTS Terms and Conditions, including the CTS Liability Release.
Note: CTS reserves the right to cancel any reservation if payments are not made according to the payment schedule. A $25 fee will be assessed to any reinstated reservation. Payments received after the final due date will incur late fees.