‘Phantom’ star, ‘Tupperware Party' among Lied’s early season highlights

Derrick Davis, who played the title role in the 2019 U.S. touring production of "The Phantom of the Opera," will perform an evening of Broadway on Oct. 17.

Courtesy photo

Derrick Davis, who played the title role in the 2019 U.S. touring production of "The Phantom of the Opera," will perform an evening of Broadway at the Lied Center on Oct. 17.

The Lied Center for Performing Arts’ 2020-21 season will feature an evening of Broadway with “Phantom of the Opera” star Derrick Davis, the irreverent comedy show “Dixie Longate’s Tupperware Party” and performances by Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, pianist Arnaldo Cohen and Canadian Brass.

In many ways, the Lied Center’s new season will be unlike any in the venue’s 30-year history.

“Perhaps now more than ever, we’re celebrating the opportunity to be entertained and inspired by great art together,” said Bill Stephan, the Lied’s executive director. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Lied.”

Beginning Monday, July 27, patrons will be able to purchase tickets for shows scheduled through Jan. 16, 2021, which will all feature socially distanced seating. Tickets for shows after that will go on sale later in the fall.

The new season kicks off Sept. 9 with the world premiere of the film “STONO,” presented by Step Afrika! The 30-minute film, co-commissioned by the Lied Center, focuses on the Stono Rebellion of 1739, the largest insurrection of enslaved African-Americans in North America. The film will be followed by a panel discussion. The event is free, but tickets are required.

Davis, who thrilled Lied Center audiences as the title character in the 2019 U.S. touring production of “The Phantom of the Opera,” will perform a solo evening of music Oct. 17. O’Hara will be at the Lied on Nov. 8. She won a Tony Award in 2015 for her performance in the Broadway revival of the “King and I” and has starred in Broadway productions of “South Pacific,” “Bridges of Madison County” and “The Pajama Game.” In addition, the show “On Broadway” (Nov. 13) features songs from shows in the current Broadway season, including “Hamilton,” “Dear Evan Hansen” and “Moulin Rouge.”

In October, the Lied will host “Dixie Longate’s Tupperware Party,” a hilarious off-Broadway smash featuring the fast-talking, gum-chewing, ginger-haired Alabama gal who is bringing Tupperware parties into the 21st century.

Other 2020 highlights include the return of classical piano virtuoso Cohen on Oct. 19 and holiday cheer with Canadian Brass Christmas on Dec. 3.

The Lied’s 2021 lineup features a five-day run of the hit Broadway musical “Come From Away” (Jan. 19-23), comedian Paula Poundstone (Feb. 27), the Berlin Philharmonic Piano Quartet (March 2), the American Ballet Theater Studio Company (March 23), dance company Pilobolus (April 12), jazz legend Herbie Hancock (Sept. 7) and the Boston Pops (Oct. 28).

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all shows through at least Jan. 16 will feature socially distanced seating, and all patrons, volunteers and staff will be required to wear face coverings while inside the Lied Center. In an effort to make it as easy as possible for patrons who are ill or who have been exposed to someone who is ill to stay home, the Lied has adopted the most flexible ticketing policy in its history: All tickets will be fully refundable right up until show time.

Audiences are also invited to create their own season. When purchasing tickets to four or more shows, patrons can save 20% on the order.

For more information on the Lied’s new season, ticketing policy, and health and safety measures, click here.

The Lied’s 2020-21 season: