Broadway shows will be taking the spotlight once again at Assembly Hall. The Hall announced its 2010-2011 WCIA 3 Broadway Series Monday. It includes five musical productions that are touring nationally, some for the first time in Champaign.

“This is the best series we have ever had,” said Jennifer Larson, assistant director for marketing at Assembly Hall, “We are very fortunate to have such a high-profile stories, with two shows (Mamma Mia and Legally Blonde) which have never been to Champaign before.”

The series, which has been around over 25 years, kicks off Sunday October 17 at 7:30 p.m. with a showing of “Spring Awakening”. On Thursday November 18 at 7:0 p.m.; “A Chorus Line,” which has won nine Tony Awards including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama will be shown. Sunday December 5, “Grease” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. The featured show of the series is the musical Mamma Mia, which will take place March 13 at 3 p.m. Friday April 15, “Avenue Q,” which Larson said caters the most to college students, comes to Champaign. The new musical, “Legally Blonde” will conclude the series at Assembly Hall on May 1 at 7:30 p.m.

“Our production director has been working on getting Mamma Mia here for a couple of years, so it’s exciting to finally happen,” Larson said.

Current subscribers to the WCIA 3 Broadway Series have until Wednesday July 21 at 2 p.m. to renew their seats from the previous year. New series subscriptions, which according to a press release allow people to sit in the same sit in continual years,are available from Monday July 26 until the date of the first show. Tickets for individual shows in the series go on sale Friday, August 27 at 10 a.m.

“This is a good opportunity for people because they are able to get Broadway shows that they typically see in Chicago right in their own backyard for almost half the price,” Larson said. “It is very economical and a nice amenity for the community to be able to see these national touring Broadway Shows.”

Subscribers receive a free parking permit for all Series events, advance notification of and first chance to buy tickets to special added attractions throughout the year and free ticket replacement .

A series subscription for the WCIA 3 Broadway Series ranges from $194 to $252. Illinois students will receive a $50 discount on the series and tickets can be ordered through the Assembly Hall.

This is the second year Assembly Hall is partnering with WCIA for the series.Larson said WCIA helps with advertising opportunities.

“This is a great opportunity for us, we wan to help bring quality theater to the Champaign area,” said Jim Doty, Sales Director for WCIA. “A lot of time, when we study past cultures we look at the arts and entertainment and seeing these shows helps people truly understand these concepts more.”