No longer a sweet mystery

Touring productions of the Tony-winning musical “In the Heights” and Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein” are the highlights of Broadway/L.A.’s 2010 season at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood.

Also on tap is “101 Dalmatians: The Musical,” directed by Jerry Zaks and adapted from the classic children’s book by Dodie Smith. The new touring musical, which is not associated with the popular Disney animated film, is scheduled to launch in October in Minneapolis before traveling the nation.

The 2010 season of Broadway/L.A. will feature eight touring musical productions, a number comparable to the current season’s lineup of seven productions plus two shorter engagements.

“We’ve been pleasantly surprised this season at the attendance of our shows,” said Martin Wiviott, general manager of Broadway/L.A. and the Pantages Theatre.

“We’re optimistic about the future. At the same time, you need to be hesitant and not raise your expectations.”

Rounding out the season is a series of familiar theater staples: Riverdance (Jan. 12-24); Stomp (Jan. 26-Feb. 7); “The Color Purple” (Feb. 10-28); “Cats” (March 9-21) and “Chicago” (April 20-May 2).

The production of “The Color Purple” will star former “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino, who also performed the role of Celie on Broadway.

“101 Dalmatians: The Musical” is scheduled to run June 8-20, 2010. The show will feature music by Dennis DeYoung, formerly of the rock band Styx, and a book by B.T. McNicholl.

“In the Heights,” which won the Tony Award for best musical in 2008, will run June 22-July 11, 2010. The musical tells the story of a mostly Latino neighborhood in New York’s Washington Heights. The show features songs by Tony winner Lin-Manuel Miranda.

“Young Frankenstein” is set to run July 27-Aug. 15, 2010. The musical is adapted from Brooks’ popular 1974 film.

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david.ng@latimes.com