Spin-off Series
In 2007, the Encores! board created a new "spin-off" series entitled Summer Stars. This new series would run during the summer months, and would produce classic, well-known Broadway shows, with well-known players, full sets and costumes, backed by a huge orchestra.
The first of the series was Gypsy, and was produced in July 2007. Patti LuPone starred as Rose, fresh from her acclaimed performance in Lonny Price's concert production of Gypsy at the Ravinia Festival, Chicago in 2006. The show received an unprecedented Encores! response, and eventually transferred to Broadway at the St. James Theatre where the majority of the original company reprised their roles. LuPone, Gaines and Benanti all won Tony Awards for their performances.
In 2008, Damn Yankees was performed starring Sean Hayes, Jane Krakowski, Cheyenne Jackson, and Randy Graff.
In 2009, The Wiz was performed starring Ashanti, Orlando Jones, Dawnn Lewis, Joshua Henry, Tichina Arnold, and Lachanze.
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