Broadway is coming to Cobb.

In a turning point for Atlanta theater, the historic Fox Theatre will no longer dominate the city's Broadway market. Starting this fall, the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre will inaugurate a four-show Broadway series that will include the Tony Award-winning blockbusters "Hairspray" and "Spamalot."

Joan Marcus (ENLARGE)
Monty Python musical 'Spamalot' is part of the Broadway series coming to the Cobb arts center.
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RELATED LINKS: • Broadway Across America schedule • Find more plays and musicals

At a Wednesday morning press conference, the Atlanta Broadway Series officially became the third resident organization of the $145 million Cobb venue, which opened last fall and is the home of the Atlanta Ballet and the Atlanta Opera.

Atlanta Broadway Series will be helmed by Stephanie Parker, who also runs the Broadway Across America-Atlanta season at the Fox. Both Broadway Across America-Atlanta and Atlanta Broadway are backed by New York-based entertainment giant Key Brand Theatrical Group.

Parker say it's a "natural progression" for Broadway tours to have a second Atlanta home. "It gives people farther out the opportunity to experience more Broadway."

"It was always our mission that Broadway would be performing in this house," Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens said Wednesday.

Also on the Atlanta Broadway Series are "Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy" and "Wicked." However, "Wicked" is part of Broadway Across America-Atlanta's previously announced 2008-2009 season at the Fox. Cobb subscribers will be able to include "Wicked" as part of their season package. A concert by pop singer Natalie Cole is being offered as a series extra.

"Booking a Broadway series has always been a priority," said Michael S. Taormina, managing director of the Cobb venue.

"Being able to announce it in the first year is truly gratifying."

COBB SEASON

• Natalie Cole. The pop singer will be promoting her fall release, "Still Unforgettable." Oct. 19.

• "Wicked." The "Wizard of Oz" backstory is one of Broadway's most popular musicals. Fox Theatre. Oct. 28-Nov 2.

• "Cirque Dreams: Jungle Fantasy." The New Age circus, which is not affiliated with Cirque du Soleil, opens on Broadway next week. Dec. 30-Jan. 4.

• "Hairspray." Based on the John Waters film, the show won eight Tony Awards, including the prize for best new musical, in 2003. Jan. 13-18.

• "Spamalot." The Monty Python howler won the best musical Tony of 2005. March 17-22.

• Tickets: 1-877-451-7469, cobbenergycentre.com. Single tickets are not yet available but generally go on sale six to eight weeks before the show.