PENSACOLA, Fla. — “MOVIN’ OUT,” the Tony Award-winning new musical conceived, choreographed and directed by Twyla Tharp and based on 24 classic songs by Billy Joel, comes to the newly renovated Saenger Theatre in Pensacola on April 22 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets, ranging from $37 to $57, are on sale now at the Saenger Theatre Box Office, Ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 745-3000.

Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more by calling (850) 595-3880.

This engagement of “MOVIN’ OUT” will mark the Pensacola premiere of the show that critics say revolutionized musical theater as we know it.

“So exhilarating and soul-stirring, it practically bursts out of the theater,” said Time magazine.

“‘Movin’ Out’ is electrifying! The union of Tharp and Joel is one made in heaven,” raved the Chicago Tribune.

Told through the choreography of Tharp and more than two dozen of Joel’s songs, “MOVIN' OUT” is the story of lifelong friends through two turbulent decades that change them and the world around them forever.

Songs like “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire” and “Pressure” all come together to weave a musical backdrop which beautifully complements Tharp’s innovative choreography.

The songs and dance take audiences through a poignant narrative comprised of three main elements: post-World War II idealism, the Vietnam War and its subsequent unrest, and finally, survival.

Many will recognize “MOVIN OUT”’s main characters, as they come straight from Joel’s lyrics. There’s Brenda and Eddie from “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” Tony and Sergeant O’Leary from “Movin’ Out,” Judy from “Why, Judy, Why” and James from “James”— and their story is told completely through dance, with no dialogue whatsoever.

“‘MOVIN’ OUT’ is “a story told without language,” Tharp says. “The movement and the action tell the story — the experience, the emotional resonance —comes from action rather than language.”

The Broadway production of “MOVIN’ OUT” played for more than three years, closing on Dec. 11, 2005, after 28 previews and 1,303 regular performances.

It joined the pantheon of great Broadway dance musicals when it surpassed the runs of “Contact,” “Fosse” and “Bring in ‘Da Noise/Bring in ‘Da Funk.”

“MOVIN’ OUT” received two 2003 Tony Awards — one for Tharp (Best Choreography) and one for Joel (Best Orchestrations).

The musical features a scenic design by Kelly Tighe, costume design by Suzy Benzinger, lighting design by Donald Holder and sound design by Duncan Robert Edwards.

Musical supervision is by Rob Cookman.

“MOVIN’ OUT” is proudly presented in Pensacola by Jam Theatricals (www.jamtheatricals.com) and sponsored locally by Friends of the Saenger, COX Media, the AT&T Real Yellow pages and Whitney Bank.

Jam Theatricals is a Chicago-based entertainment company that presents and produces Broadway engagements throughout North America.

Founded in 1997 by Arny Granat, Jerry Mickelson and Steve Traxler, Jam Theatricals manages subscription seasons in more than 30 cities. Jam has presented notable national touring productions including “CATS,” “The Producers,” “STOMP,” “Les Misérables,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Hairspray,” “Miss Saigon” and Riverdance.”

Visit www.jamtheatricals.com for more information.