⇒ IN THE SPOTLIGHT
‘THE INHERITANCE’
The word “epic” gets tossed around a lot, but “The Inheritance” lives up to the description. Matthew Lopez’s sprawling play heads deep into the psyche of contemporary gay men as it asks questions about how a community recovers from a generational trauma — the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s — and what today’s gay men owe those who came before them.
Told in two parts over six hours, “The Inheritance” weaves compelling characters with prose both elevated and direct. After its 2018 London debut, “The Inheritance” was named best play at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards and best new play at the Critics’ Circle Theatre Awards and the Laurence Olivier Awards.
The subsequent Broadway production won the Tony Award for best play, as well as top honors at the Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle awards.
Matthew MacDermid and Kenny Howard will direct the Central Florida premiere of the work for The Ensemble Company in Oviedo. Part I of “The Inheritance” runs Sept. 8-22, with Part II following Sept. 15-23. Those wishing to binge-watch can see both parts on the same day, Sept. 24, when the first part will be presented at noon, with the second part following at 5 p.m. Tickets are $22 per part. For more information, go to theensemblecompany.com.
⇒ YOUR SEASON PLANNER
Schedules are subject to change, so always double-check before heading to an event.
ANNIE RUSSELL THEATRE
The theater is on the campus of Rollins College, 1000 Holt Ave. in Winter Park. More information: rollins.edu/annie or 407-646-2145
THE 39 STEPS: Sept. 22-30. Patrick Barlow’s comic interpretation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy masterpiece in which four actors play 150 characters.
METAMORPHOSES: Nov. 3-18. Presented in partnership with the William Daniel Mills Theatre Co., Mary Zimmerman’s theatrical experience reinvigorates Greek and Roman myths and will be staged around a large pool of water in the new Sally K. Albrecht Studio Theatre.
A RAISIN IN THE SUN: Feb. 16-24, 2024. Felichia Chivaughn will direct Lorraine Hansberry’s classic story of a multi-generational Black family navigating through society’s prejudice.
THE PROM: April 19-27, 2024. Eccentric and egotistical Broadway actors create comic havoc when they come to the aid of a senior who wants to attend her prom with her girlfriend despite the objections of the PTA in this heartfelt musical.
SECOND STAGE SERIES
Produced by students.
NEW PLAY SHOWCASE: Feb. 7-10, 2024. Readings of scripts by current Rollins students.
AUNT JACK: April 10-13, 2024. In this tragicomedy, Norman brings his new boyfriend home to meet his dads, but the reunion is challenged by differences in politics, sexual identity and love.
ATHENS THEATRE
Performances are at 124 N. Florida Ave. in DeLand. More information: athensdeland.com or 386-736-1500
MISERY: Sept. 22-Oct. 15. Drama based on the Stephen King novel about a crazed fan who takes a writer as her prisoner.
WHITE CHRISTMAS: Nov. 25-Dec. 17. Holiday fun with Irving Berlin music.
FROZEN JR.: Jan. 26-Feb. 11, 2024. The Disney movie, on stage for young people.
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM: March 1-24, 2024. Stephen Sondheim wrote the music for this comedy about a Roman slave who plots to earn his freedom.
RENT: April 12-May 5, 2024. Jonathan Larsen’s rock musical is about young adults facing life and death during the 1980s AIDS epidemic.
BAY STREET PLAYERS
Performances are at the State Theatre, 109 N. Bay St. in Eustis. More information: Baystreetplayers.org or 352-357-7777
HANDS ON A HARDBODY: Sept. 8-24. Based on a real story, this musical follows a group of people competing to win a new truck in a creative contest.
BABY: Oct. 27-Nov. 12. A musical about three couples of different ages experiencing the highs and lows of pregnancy.
THE LAST FIVE YEARS: Jan. 19-Feb. 4, 2024. A relationship is explored in Jason Robert Brown’s time-bending musical, with half of the couple telling their story chronologically from the beginning while the other tells it backward.
THE MIRACLE WORKER: March 22-April 7, 2024. The story of how Annie Sullivan opened the world for Helen Keller, who was blind and deaf since infancy.
HAIR: May 31-June 16, 2024. A group of friends lives under the shadow of the Vietnam War as they dream of peace.
BETH MARSHALL PRESENTS
The company offers a final Central Florida production after relocating, with the return of its popular Play-in-a-Day at Fringe ArtSpace, 54 W. Church St. in Orlando. More information: orlandofringe.thundertix.com.
PLAY-IN-A-DAY: Aug. 26. Creative teams of writers, actors, directors and stage managers create short plays, which are judged in just 24 hours.
BREAKTHROUGH THEATRE
The theater is at 6900 Aloma Ave. in Winter Park. More information: breakthroughtheatre.com or 407-920-4034
REEFER MADNESS: Through Sept. 4. Joe Landry’s satirical look at anti-marijuana scare tactics of bygone days.
DISENCHANTED: Sept 22-Oct. 9. Fairytale princesses set the record straight with sass and style in this rebuttal to Disney’s films of their stories. Written by Dennis T. Giacino, the off-Broadway musical was written and created in Orlando back in 2011.
SUSPENSE: A LIVE RADIO EVENT: Oct. 13-15. After a successful run last season, the live radio-style drama returns.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY YOUNGER@PART: Oct. 20-Nov. 6. A young people’s version of “The Addams Family” musical about the creepily comic family.
HEE HAW SALUTE: Nov. 10-20. A tribute to the corny old country-comedy TV show.
YOUNG AT HEART: THE HOLIDAY EDITION: Dec. 1-11 Songs, monologues and scenes about aging with seasonal spirit.
BREAKTHROUGH FAMILY CHRISTMAS: Dec. 15-18. Seasonal cheer from the theater’s performers and alumni.
THE TRIAL OF SANTA: Dec. 29-31. Don Zolidis’s comedy sees Santa square off against a bratty 9-year-old.
DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
The center, at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando, co-presents Orlando’s touring Broadway season with Florida Theatrical Association and Broadway Across America. More information: drphillipscenter.org or 844-513-2014
BROADWAY SERIES
ANNIE: Oct. 24-29. The redheaded moppet finds love in this cheery musical, reminding us the sun’ll come out tomorrow.
FUNNY GIRL: Dec. 5-10. The story of comedian Fanny Brice features the classic “Don’t Rain on My Parade.”
ALADDIN: Jan. 3-7, 2024. The Disney cartoon about a Genie, a magic lamp and the boy whose dreams come true is brought to life on stage.
MOULIN ROUGE: Feb. 20-March 3, 2024. Paris’s decadent nightclub is the setting for this romantic romp through pop-music history in a series of musical mashups.
JAGGED LITTLE PILL: March 19-24, 2024. Alanis Morissette’s hits fuel this family drama.
MRS. DOUBTFIRE: April 23-28, 2024. The Robin Williams comedy about a divorced dad who becomes his children’s female nanny is adapted for the stage.
PETER PAN: May 14-19, 2024. The classic tale of the boy who never grew up.
CLUE: June 4-9, 2024. A comedy based on the murder-mystery board game.
LES MISERABLES: June 25-30, 2024. The hit musical about the triumph of the human spirit in the face of the world’s darkness returns once more.
OTHER STAGE SHOWS
DISNEY JUNIOR LIVE ON TOUR: Oct. 8. Disney pals entertain the little ones.
AN EVENING WITH DAVID SEDARIS: Oct. 13. The humorist, NPR contributor and author of bestsellers “Calypso,” “Naked,” “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and more offers a night of readings and reflections. Presented with WMFE.
ATENCIÓN ATENCIÓN: YUPI YEI TOUR: Oct. 21. Children’s fun, based on the Puerto Rican television program that teaches values through music.
THE ILLUSIONISTS: MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS: Dec. 15. Magical stagecraft.
THE ENSEMBLE COMPANY
This repertory troupe of professional actors resides at Imagine Performing Arts Center (formerly Penguin Point Productions) at Oviedo Mall, 1700 Oviedo Mall Blvd. in Oviedo. More information: theensemblecompany.com
THE INHERITANCE: Sept. 8-24. Matthew López’s epic two-part drama follows three generations of gay men navigating America.
HIR: Nov. 3-12. A mother throws her household into an uproar in Taylor Mac’s dark comedy examining gender, identity and the particular currents of the American family.
THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO: Dec. 8-17. Alfred Uhry’s comedy-drama looks at anti-Semitism in the South against the backdrop of the premiere of “Gone With the Wind.”
IT’S ONLY A PLAY: Jan. 19-28, 2024. Terrance McNally’s ensemble comedy is about a theater troupe waiting for opening-night reviews of its latest production.
IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY: March 1-10, 2024. Sarah Ruhl’s play, set in Victorian times, looks at female sexual desire as a new invention called a “vibrator” is used to treat women diagnosed with “hysteria.”
APPROPRIATE: May 3-12, 2024. In Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ play, a Southern white family gathers after the patriarch’s death and confronts issues of race and dysfunction.
FLORIDA THEATRICAL ASSOCIATION
The organization, which co-presents the touring Broadway season at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, also stages its own shows. Productions take place at The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive in Orlando. More information: FloridaTheatrical.org
KISS OF THE SPIDERWOMAN: Nov. 10-19. This Tony -winning musical, with a book by Terrence McNally and score by Kander & Ebb, presents a harrowing tale of persecution juxtaposed against a liberating fantasy world that keeps the human spirit alive.
FOURTH MAN PRODUCTIONS
The company’s stage productions are at the Satellite Center at God’s House, 9501 Satellite Blvd. in Orlando. More information: fourthmanproductions.org/actsoflove
ACTS OF LOVE: Aug. 25-26. Third annual production of one-act plays by local writers, with proceeds this year benefiting Ukrainian refugees.
GARDEN THEATRE
The Garden presents plays in partnership with Victory Productions at 160 W. Plant St. in Winter Garden. More information: gardentheatre.org or 407-877-4736
EVERY BRILLIANT THING: Sept. 8-24. John O’Hurley stars in this one-man show about embracing the joys life has to offer.
MOONSHINE & MISTLETOE: AN APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS TALE: Nov. 24-Dec. 23. A fractured family tries to come together in this all-ages holiday musical.
SWEET DREAMS: THE AIR SUPPLY MUSICAL: Feb. 2-March 10, 2024. Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is reimagined and set in New York City with a score of Air Supply hits, including “All Out of Love.”
ALWAYS… PATSY CLINE: April 26-May 19, 2024. This oft-produced show looks at the friendship of the great country singer with a Texas fan named Louise and features Cline’s hits “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Walking After Midnight” and more.
SPECIAL EVENT
QUEEN: RHYTHM & RHAPSODY: Oct. 5-8. Broadway actor Justin Matthew Sargent performs the music of Queen, backed by three dancers in a theatrical concert.
LITTLE RADICAL THEATRICS
The all-ages community theater presents its productions in various locations. Get more information at littleradicaltheatricsinc.com
THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW: Nov. 10-14. The comic spoof of the sci-fi/horror genre in which Brad and Janet have the night of their lives.
SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL: April 11-14, 2023. A trip into the world of Dr. Seuss and his whimsical creations.
RAGTIME: Aug. 2-4, 2024. The stirring musical about America’s struggle toward equality for women, immigrants and Black citizens.
ANASTASIA: Nov. 22-24, 2024. The Russian princess finds her way to love and family in this musical.
MELON PATCH PLAYERS
Performances are at the Melon Patch Theatre, 311 N. 13th St. in Leesburg. More information: melonpatchplayers.org or 352-787-3013
THE HALLELUJAH GIRLS: Through Aug. 27: A woman converts a church into a day spa in this comedy about friendship and living life to the full.
BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: Dec. 8-17. This family-friendly comedy asks whether the town’s holiday festivities can survive a group of unruly children.
CALENDAR GIRLS: Jan. 26-Feb. 11, 2024. Based on a true story, several mature women pose for a charity calendar and cause a stir in this comedy.
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN: March 22-April 7, 2024. Mel Brooks’ offbeat take on Transylvania comes to the stage in this comic musical based on the film.
ONE MAN, TWO GUVNORS: May 10-26, 2024. In 1960s England, a young man finds himself working two jobs simultaneously with fast-paced comedic results.
NEW GENERATION THEATRICAL
Shows are staged in various locations. More information: newgentheatrical.org
NEXT TO NORMAL: Sept. 21-Oct. 1. An American family copes with the mother’s bipolar disorder in this musical, presented at The Abbey, 100 S. Eola Drive in Orlando.
GOTHIC TAVERN: THE SPIRITS OF SLEEPY HOLLOW: Nov. 9-19. Theatergoers will visit Sleepy Hollow and share drinks with some of history’s well-known characters in a comically haunting adventure presented at Orlando Family Stage’s black box theater.
ORLANDO FAMILY STAGE
Performances of shows for children and their families are in the theater’s complex at 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando, or online. The theater also presents shows featuring young performers through its Youth Academy. Its professional productions are listed below. More information: orlandofamilystage.com or 407-896-7365
THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM: Sept. 5-Oct. 8. Producing partner TheatreWorks USA presents this show, in which Ms. Frizzle takes her class on an interplanetary field trip.
CLICK, CLACK, BOO! A TRICKY TREAT: Oct. 2-31. Farmer Brown is scared of Halloween, but Duck, Pig, Cow and Hen show him that a little scare can be a lot of fun.
JUNIE B. IN JINGLE BELLS, BATMAN SMELLS: Nov. 13-Dec. 23. First-grader Junie has to give her tattletale nemesis a gift. Will she go for revenge, or will the spirit of the season prevail?
PIP-SQUEAK: AN ANTI-BULLYING MAGIC SHOW: Jan. 9-12, 2024. Through magic, juggling, costumes and stories, magician Tony Brent gently and humorously teaches youths about coping with bullying.
CHARLOTTE’S WEB: Jan. 19-23, 2024. TheatreWorks USA begins the national tour of this stage adaptation of the beloved tale of a pig, a spider and a beautiful friendship.
GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE, THE MUSICAL: Jan. 29-Feb. 25, 2024. In Africa, Gerald the Giraffe has a problem: Everyone can dance but him. He discovers, though, that being different from the other animals just means he needs to find a different song.
ALLIE KAZAN AND THE MAGIC MANSION: March 4-31, 2024. In the premiere of this brand-new musical, young people compete in a contest akin to a Scooby-Doo mystery.
THE LIGHTNING THIEF: THE PERCY JACKSON MUSICAL: April 12-May 12, 2024. Based on the bestseller, this young-audiences version of the Broadway musical follows the adventures of teen Percy after he discovers he’s the son of a Greek god.
THEATRE FOR THE VERY YOUNG
These 30-minute shows are interactive, multisensory and developmentally accessible experiences created for children ages 5 and younger.
DINOSAUR DANCE PARTY: Sept. 9-Oct. 1. Prehistoric fun.
YO, HO, HO! LET’S GO!: March 2-24, 2024. A pirate adventure.
ORLANDO FRINGE
The organization’s events are at Fringe ArtSpace at 54 W. Church St. in Orlando, with its annual signature festival centered at Loch Haven Park. More information: orlandofringe.org or 407-648-0077
VELVET TOREADOR COMPANY RESIDENCY: Oct. 5-31. Various events all month, including “Winnie’s Rock Cauldron Cabaret,” a jukebox musical with the Sanderson Sisters of “Hocus Pocus” that features familiar songs with a witchy twist; Sanderson Sisters-themed children’s activities, including interactive activities, goodies, storytime and a charm-bracelet project; and “Ho Po Fo Show,” an adults-only burlesque show.
THE COLDHARTS: Nov. 10-19. The award-winning performance troupe performs their Edgar Allan Poe trilogy on a rotating basis. In “Edgar Allan,” a manic lullaby inspired by Poe’s childhood and short stories, Edgar has one goal: To be the most remarkable boy at his school. The sequel “Eddie Poe” is inspired by the writer’s adolescence. And in the concluding “Edgar Perry,” 17-year-old Poe has been expelled from university, abandoned by his fiancée and estranged from his foster family. He has but one option left: Reinvent himself.
OPHELIA THE MUSICAL: Dec. 1-17. Phoenix Tears Productions presents this original musical by Jeremiah Gibbons, inspired by Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Starting with an immersive lobby preshow, “Ophelia the Musical” follows the character as she deals with the pressures of femininity, navigating relationships, coming of age, heartbreak and sexuality.
FRINGE LOTTERY: Dec. 4. See which groups are chosen for the 2024 Orlando Fringe Festival.
WINTER MINI-FEST 2024: Jan 11-14, 2024. A curated short-theater festival of fan favorites, new works and new artists from the international Fringe Festival circuit.
THE COLLECTIVE: Feb. 23-March 9, March 22-31 and April 19-28, 2024. Productions from a member of The Collective, Fringe’s incubator program for up-and-coming organizations. The three participants in the 2024 program are Open Scene, which celebrates Latin culture and diversity; Sonflower Joy Music, which amplifies the voices of people of color; and Without Fear Theatre, which produces community-based new works featuring live music.
FRINGE LOCAL TEASER: April 15, 2024. Check out two-minute previews of shows booked at the upcoming Fringe Festival.
FRINGE BYOV TEASER: May 6, 2024. See previews of shows that are part of the upcoming Fringe Festival but located away from the main campus.
33RD ANNUAL ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL: May 15-27, 2024. Two weeks of live theater, comedy, music, dance, magic, storytelling, art, children’s activities and more.
ORLANDO SHAKES
Performances are staged at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St. in Orlando. More information: orlandoshakes.org or 407-447-1700
THE COMEDY OF ERRORS: Sept. 6-Oct. 1. Shakespeare’s farce of love, mistaken identity and not one but two sets of separated twins is set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras, featuring jazz, zydeco and blues music.
BOULEVARD OF BOLD DREAMS: Oct. 4-29. LaDarrion Williams’ play looks at the night Hattie McDaniel made Hollywood history by becoming the first Black artist to win an Oscar. When she forgoes the ceremony, a bartender and a maid try to convince her to take her moment in the spotlight amid the racism of Hollywood.
HENRY VI, PART 1: JOAN OF ARC: Jan. 10-21, 2024. The theater’s “Fire & Reign” series of Shakespeare’s history plays continues as the world whirls out of control under the watch of young King Henry VI.
VENUS IN FUR: Feb. 7-March 3, 2024. David Ives looks at the politics of sex and power in a taut comedy-drama. An actress hoping to land a role in a play based on an erotic novel arrives late to her audition but puts the male director through his paces.
BECOMING OTHELLO: A BLACK GIRL’S JOURNEY: March 13-30, 2024. Debra Ann Byrd, the founding artistic director of the Harlem Shakespeare Festival and artistic director of Arizona-based Southwest Shakespeare Company, wrote and will perform this personal story of perseverance, discovery and unconditional love.
AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’: April 10-28, 2024. With humor and energy, celebrate Waller’s hits, including “Keepin’ Out of Mischief,” “This Joint is Jumpin’,” “Mean to Me” and the title song.
CHILDREN’S SERIES
THE TRUE STORY OF THE 3 LITTLE PIGS!: Oct. 18-Nov. 11. In this musical, the Big Bad Wolf is on trial — but can he get a fair trial in a courtroom full of pigs?
SPECIAL EVENTS
PLAYFEST: Oct. 27-29 and Nov. 3-5. Join the creative process by giving feedback on new works.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Nov. 29-Dec. 24. The ghostly tale of Scrooge’s redemption returns.
OSCEOLA ARTS
Performances are at Osceola Arts, 2411 U.S. Highway 92 in Kissimmee. More information: OsceolaArts.com or 407-846-6257
THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME: Oct. 6-22. Disney’s version of the story of the bellringer and the woman who captures his heart.
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER: Dec. 1-17. This family-friendly comedy asks can the town’s holiday festivities survive a group of unruly children?
GUILTY PLEASURES: AN UNAPOLOGETIC COMEDY: Jan. 26-Feb. 11, 2024. A couple and a pair of celebrities get caught up in comic sexual complications in Ken Levine’s modern-day farce.
42ND STREET: March 15-31, 2024. The big romantic musical about making it big in showbiz.
THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG: June 14-30, 2024. What could go wrong with a simple murder-mystery play? Everything, in this farce.
PHANTASMAGORIA ORLANDO
The Victorian steampunk troupe uses storytelling, dance, puppetry, projections and original music in performances around Central Florida and beyond. More information: phantasmagoriaorlando.com
PHANTASMAGORIA XIV: TALES OF THE UNDEAD: Oct. 19 at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala; Oct. 26-28 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando; Oct. 29 at the Athens Theatre in DeLand; Nov. 3-4 at the Melon Patch Theatre in Leesburg. Tales of Edgar Allan Poe, horror from Victorian “penny dreadfuls” and more.
A MOST HAUNTED VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS: Dec. 9-10 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando; Dec. 15 at the Ritz Theatre in Sanford; Dec. 17 at the Reilly Arts Center in Ocala; Dec. 21 at the Melon Patch Theatre in Leesburg; Dec. 22-23 at the Athens Theatre in DeLand. Celebrate the holidays with the ghost-story tradition of the Victorian age.
PLAYWRIGHTS’ ROUND TABLE
The group’s staged shows are at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St. in Orlando. More information: theprt.com or 407-761-2683
NATIVE VOICES: Nov. 10-19. Short plays by Florida writers.
LAUNCH: Jan. 5-14, 2024. Launch into the new year with an evening of short, eclectic plays.
RENAISSANCE THEATRE COMPANY
The theater is at 415 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. More information: rentheatre.com
MUSICAL MONDAYS: Ongoing. Each Monday, the theater presents a cabaret with special guests, preview of local shows and open-mike opportunities.
NOSFERATU: Sept 15-Nov. 5. An adult vampire-theme immersive experience that combines theater and dance in a haunted house-like maze.
THE OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA SHOW: Dec. 1-23. Interact with your “colleagues” at this adult musical comedy featuring an eccentric group of work colleagues getting into a festive mood.
RITZ THEATER
The theater, at 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in Sanford, hosts touring concerts, children’s productions and other events in addition to plays. More information: ritztheatersanford.com or 407-321-8111
MARY POPPINS: Oct. 6-15. The practically perfect nanny takes the stage in this musical based on the Disney film.
THE WHO’S TOMMY: March 8-17, 2024. Based on the rock group’s 1969 concept album, this show weaves a tale of hope and healing.
PLAY ON!: May 10-19, 2024. A comic love letter to community theater with a murder mystery theme.
CINDERELLA: June 21-23, 2024. The Rodgers & Hammerstein musical about a mistreated young woman who finds her Prince Charming.
RS&C PRODUCTIONS/THREE HATS STUDIOS
The companies present their immersive holiday production, first staged in 1997, at Audubon Park Covenant Church, 3219 Chelsea St. in Orlando. For more information, go to events.humanitix.com/dickens-by-candlelight-2023
DICKENS BY CANDLELIGHT: A CHRISTMAS CAROL: Dec. 19-23. Three actors play all the parts in Charles Dickens’s tale of Scrooge, ghosts and redemption. Spiced tea and holiday cookies are served to theatergoers; preshow caroling is also featured.
SONNENTAG THEATRE AT THE ICEHOUSE
The theater is at 1100 N. Unser St. in Mount Dora. More information: icehousetheatre.com or 352-383-4616
LAST ROUND UP OF THE GUACAMOLE QUEENS: Sept. 15-Oct. 8. A trio of cousins comically works to produce the ultimate high-school reunion.
GRUMPY OLD MEN: THE MUSICAL: Nov. 17-Dec. 10. A musical comedy adapted from the 1993 film about feuding dudes who become romantic rivals.
LEADING LADIES: Jan. 19-Feb. 11, 2024. A pair of failing actors disguise themselves to claim an inheritance in this Ken Ludwig farce.
SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL: March 22-April 14, 2024. This musical watches women’s role in society evolve through 1960s hits by the likes of Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark, Nancy Sinatra and more.
VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE: May 17-June 9, 2024. Rivalries comically heat up when Masha unexpectedly crashes her siblings’ home with a boy toy in tow.
THEATER WEST END
The theater is at 115 W. First St. in Sanford. More information: theaterwestend.com or 407-548-6285
THE PROM: Through Aug. 27. Eccentric and egotistical Broadway actors create comic havoc when they come to the aid of a senior who wants to attend her prom with her girlfriend despite the objections of the PTA in this heartfelt musical.
SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET: Sept. 7-Oct. 1. A barber seeks revenge in a most unusual way in this dark musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler.
THE FULL MONTY: Nov. 10-Dec. 3. Based on the hit film, this musical tells of a group of unemployed steelworkers who decide to bring home the bacon … by becoming a strip-tease troupe.
THEATRE SOUTH PLAYHOUSE
The theater, in the Dr. Phillips Marketplace at 7601 Della Drive in Orlando, produces shows with professional adult actors as well as community-youth productions. More information: theatresouthplayhouse.org or 407-489-4458
MATILDA: THE MUSICAL: Nov. 2-19. In this musical based on the Roald Dahl story, a young girl finds she has special powers to cope with life under a bullying schoolteacher.
RIDE THE CYCLONE: Jan. 15-25, 2024. This unconventional tragicomedy tells the story of high-school chorus members who meet their end while riding a faulty roller coaster.
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK: Jan. 26-27, 2024. A staged reading of the play about the young Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during World War II and left her memoir for the world.
THEATRE UCF
The theater is on the campus of the University of Central Florida in east Orange County. More information: theatreucf.edu or 407-823-1500
CHICKEN & BISCUITS: Sept. 21-Oct. 1. A peaceful funeral is disrupted when a guest reveals an old family secret in this comedy.
THE PROM: Oct. 12-22. Eccentric and egotistical Broadway actors create comic havoc when they come to the aid of a senior who wants to attend her prom with her girlfriend despite the objections of the PTA in this heartfelt musical.
METAMORPHOSES: Nov. 9-19. Mary Zimmerman’s theatrical experience reinvigorates Greek and Roman myths and reminds us of the struggles and joys of being mortal.
PETER & THE STARCATCHER: Jan. 25-Feb. 4, 2024. A highly theatrical origin story of Peter Pan.
THE CHERRY ORCHARD: Feb. 22-March 3, 2024. On the brink of revolution, a family faces love, loss, financial struggles and a society changing all around them in Anton Chekhov’s heart-wrenching work.
SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET: April 11-14 at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, as part of UCF Celebrates the Arts. A barber seeks revenge in a most unusual way in this dark musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler.
VALENCIA COLLEGE
Productions take place at Valencia’s east campus, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando. More information: valenciacollege.edu/arts or 407-582-2900
FALL READING SERIES
HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE: Sept. 22-23. Paula Vogel’s memory play about sexual abuse.
THE ARTIST AND THE SCIENTIST: Oct. 21-22. A look at the five minutes between a marriage proposal is made and an answer is given.
MELANCHOLY PLAY: Nov. 17-18. A contemporary farce centered on melodramatic bank teller Tilly.
SPECIAL EVENT
THE FLORIDA MUSEUM OF CURSED ARTIFACTS: A HAUNTED ATTRACTION: Oct. 27-Nov. 3. Valencia College’s Live Entertainment Design and Production, the technical-theater program, presents a walk-through immersive haunted experience.
MAINSTAGE
SHE KILLS MONSTERS: Feb. 16-24, 2024. A young woman embarks on a video-game-style quest to save her sister’s soul.
BOEING BOEING: April 5-13, 2024. Bachelor Bernard is simultaneously engaged to three flight attendants in this sex farce.
STUDENT-DIRECTED ONE-ACTS: April 19-20, 2024. Valencia students take the reigns.
MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG: June 7-15, 2024. With music by Stephen Sondheim, this musical travels backward in time to show how three friends’ lives changed over 20 years.
WINTER PARK PLAYHOUSE
The theater is at 711-C Orange Ave. in Winter Park. More information: winterparkplayhouse.org or 407-645-0145
HONKY TONK LAUNDRY: Through Aug. 27. A laundromat transforms into a honky tonk, featuring music by Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette.
RUTHLESS!: Sept. 22-Oct. 15. Naive 1950s housewife Judy lets her adorable, or should that be maniacal, 8-year-old daughter Tina try showbiz in this murderous comedy.
A SWINGIN’ CHRISTMAS: THE HOLIDAY MUSIC OF TONY BENNETT: Nov. 10-Dec. 16. Seasonal tunes and standards, including “The Good Life,” “Rags to Riches” and Bennett’s signature song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”
BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO: Jan. 19-Feb. 17, 2024. Two friends from Brooklyn look for romance over a wild Labor Day weekend in a 1960s Catskills resort as the music of Neil Sedaka fuels the plot.
FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE: March 15-April 20, 2024. Five guys, all named Moe, magically step out of dejected Nomax’s radio and turn his life around through the exuberant R&B and jazz of legendary musician-composer Louis Jordan.
GEORGE M. COHAN TONIGHT!: May 10-June 9, 2024. Cohan’s hits, including “Yankee Doodle Boy,” “Give My Regards to Broadway,” “Over There,” “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and many more, feature in this one-man tap-dance heavy show starring Adam T. Biner and making its Southeastern regional premiere.
CABARET
MUSICAL MEMORIES: THE COMPOSERS THAT SHAPED US: Sept. 13-14. Dustin and Courtney Cunningham perform.
SPECIAL EVENTS
GRETA POPE’S MOTOWN: PRIDE OF THE MOTOR CITY: Oct. 19. That Detroit sound.
CURTAINS UP!: Oct. 21. Gala featuring a one-night-only show with more than 20 local performers.
FLORIDA FESTIVAL OF NEW MUSICALS: June 20-23, 2024. Readings of new musical works.
— Listings compiled by Matthew J. Palm
