News Summary
Broadway Grand Rapids is excited to announce its 2025-26 season, featuring a variety of performances that prioritize accessibility initiatives. Under the leadership of CEO Meghan Distel, the nonprofit enhances local culture with Broadway tours and significant community engagement. This season includes a mix of blockbuster hits and innovative works, with programming adapted to audience needs. New team promotions and tools like the GalaPro app demonstrate BGR’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that all community members can experience the magic of theater.
Grand Rapids is set to welcome an exciting range of performances as Broadway Grand Rapids (BGR) unveils its 2025-26 season, which also emphasizes innovations in accessibility. Under the direction of CEO Meghan Distel, the organization continues to thrive as a central figure in West Michigan’s arts scene.
BGR has been a prominent nonprofit organization since 1988, dedicated to bringing national Broadway tours to West Michigan and enhancing local culture through live shows. Over the years, the organization has evolved significantly, transitioning from hosting occasional performances to establishing itself as a year-round cultural hub in downtown Grand Rapids.
The upcoming season promises a carefully curated selection of productions that balances blockbuster hits, fan favorites, and innovative new works that challenge traditional storytelling. Each year, BGR collaborates with Broadway Across America (BAA) to ensure access to top productions and to stay informed about audience trends. This collaboration allows for thoughtful programming that includes a blend of proven hits and fresh works.
As part of Distel’s leadership initiative, BGR recently promoted three team members to significant positions: Jennifer Pascua as Vice President of Marketing & Community Engagement, Chad Kirkpatrick as Vice President of Operations, and McKenzie Szalai as Marketing Specialist. These changes reflect BGR’s commitment to enhance cultural engagement and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
Distel, who has been recognized as a full Tony Award voting member by the Broadway League, is also focused on improving accessibility within the arts. Recently, BGR introduced the GalaPro app, which provides open captions, audio descriptions, and translations for performances. This innovative tool was softly launched during the 2024 production of “Wicked” and has become a standard feature for all shows at DeVos Performance Hall.
Additionally, BGR has rolled out touch tours for visually impaired patrons, enabling them to engage with costumes and props before performances, starting with “Moulin Rouge! The Musical.” Such enhancements illustrate BGR’s dedication to making the magic of Broadway accessible to all community members.
The organization’s Broadway Arts Access program further exemplifies its commitment to inclusivity, offering $5 tickets to families facing financial hardships. This initiative supports Title I schools and organizations like the Hispanic Center of West Michigan, ensuring that more families can enjoy the richness of live theater.
As BGR approaches its 35th anniversary, the organization has hosted a remarkable 35 community events aimed at strengthening local engagement. Last season, Broadway Grand Rapids achieved a record of 12,000 season ticket holders, highlighting its significant impact on the local economy.
Continuing its efforts in fostering inclusivity, Distel aspires to introduce more scholarship programs and sensory-friendly performances, while maintaining ongoing collaboration with local disability communities. BGR is committed to ensuring that anyone can experience the magic of Broadway right in West Michigan, and it aims to dismantle barriers that prevent participation in the arts.
With exciting Michigan premieres planned, including productions like “SIX,” “MJ the Musical,” “The Outsiders,” “& Juliet,” and “Water for Elephants,” Broadway Grand Rapids continues to solidify its role as a vital cultural asset in the region. The 2025-26 season looks promising, as the organization strives to captivate audiences while enhancing accessibility for all.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 17: Broadway GR Announces 2025-26 Season
- Wikipedia: Broadway
- Second Wave Media: Broadway Grand Rapids Accessibility Innovation
- Google Search: Broadway Grand Rapids
- Wood TV: Expect a Joyous Night as Neil Diamond Musical Hits Broadway GR Stage
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Musical Theatre
- WZZM 13: Sponsored Broadway Grand Rapids
- Google News: Broadway Grand Rapids Theater
Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER
GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
