ORLANDO, Fla. – It’s a new year and that means a blank canvas for artists everywhere.
Theaters across Central Florida are pulling the curtain back on their 2023 productions, concerts, exhibits and more, ready for the year of art and culture ahead.
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As audiences wait in anticipation for the entertainment offered on stages from the Space Coast to the City Beautiful, check out a sneak preview of what’s coming up for the local performing arts troupes and casts.
Find a county-by-county breakdown on the biggest events to see in the first half of this year on Central Florida stages below.
Brevard County
Cocoa - Cocoa Village Playhouse
“The Music Man”
Jan. 27-Feb. 12
There’s trouble in River City when this fast-talking salesman wins the heart of the town librarian. The comedy musical, which premiered in 1957, promises music, laughs and fun for the whole family.
“Steel Magnolias”
March 10-19
Sit in for an appointment at this Louisiana beauty salon, where you’ll find “women who are as beautiful as magnolias but as tough as steel.” The story, popularized by the 1989 movie of the same name, shows how these characters deal with mortality, love and the people around them after tragedy strikes.
“Disney’s Mary Poppins”
April 28-May 14
Based on one of the world’s most popular films, this musical classic follows a magical nanny whose practically perfect in every way. Sing along to Sherman Brothers’ classics “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Step in Time,” and “A Spoonful of Sugar” in this stage adaption. At a loss for words? The supercalifragilisticexpialidocious production is here to help!
“The Galmont Ballet: 20th Anniversary Gala”
July 1-2
Celebrate 20 years of dance education and performances with the Galmont Ballet, with a performance that pays tribute to the Jazz Age and the music of Gershwin.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Melbourne - Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts
Styx
Jan. 22
The rockers’ world tour is bringing music fans a whole new album. The American rock band will introduce fans to “Crash of the Crown,” an album written before the pandemic and recorded during it.
Jim Gaffigan
Jan. 29
This stand-up is bringing the laughs with his trademark observational humor. This follows his last stand-up special, “Comedy Monster,” which was released on Netflix in 2021.
“On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”
March 12-13
This musical follows the lives of Latin pop icons Gloria and Emilio Estefan, weaving in a story of heritage and heart with classics like “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” “1-2-3″ and “Coming Out of the Dark.”
“R.E.S.P.E.C.T. The Ultimate Tribute to the Legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin”
April 2
This musical tells the story of the queen of soul herself. As the audience applauds one of America’s most beloved singer-songwriters, they’ll also get to hear favorites like “Natural Woman,” “Think,” “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” “Chain of Fools,” and of course, “Respect.”
“Fiddler on the Roof”
April 10-11
The Tony Award-winning production is back and toasting to life as the sun rises on this Florida stage. The heartwarming story of father and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family is punctuated with its classic Broadway soundtrack.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Titusville - Titusville Playhouse
“Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville”
Jan. 13-Feb. 12
Waste away in Margaritaville with this musical comedy inspired by the soundtrack of island escapism’s own Jimmy Buffett. “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins” and “Volcano” are just a few of the tracks Parrot Heads will be swaying to at this show.
“Priscilla: Queen of the Desert”
March 3-26
Based on the beloved film, this musical takes the audience on a journey to the Australian outback alongside friends Tick, Bernadette and Adam, a glamorous Sydney-based performing trio. They hop on a battered bus, nicknamed Priscilla, and take the audience through dancefloor diamonds like “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive,” “Hot Stuff,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Go West,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and “I Love The Nightlife.”
“Into the Woods”
April 7-30
This musical explores five Grimm fairy tales while following the trials of a Baker and his barren wife. Audiences will encounter everyone from Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack the Giant Killer as the couple searches for their happily ever after and perfect family.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Flagler County
Bunnell - Flagler Playhouse
“Rent”
Jan. 20- Feb. 5
The characters may not be paying rent, but you’ll want to pay for a ticket to this Broadway smash hit! Jonathan Larson takes audiences on a journey through New York City’s bohemian life as impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create under the shadow of HIV/AIDS..
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest”
March 3-12
This stage adaptation of Ken Kesey’s celebrated novel, which was also turned into a 1975 film starring Jack Nicholson, explores the realities of a mental institution with humor, candor, and unforgettable characters.
“Barnum”
April 21-May 7
The Greatest Showman on Earth, P.T. Barnum, is combining razzle-dazzle with charm and brass to sell “humbug” to cheering Flagler County crowds. The musical gives a moving portrait of the 19th-century showbiz legend.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Lake County
Eustis - The State Theatre of Eustis
“Tick, Tick… Boom!”
Jan. 20-Feb. 5
This pop rock musical biopic written by Jonathan Larson, who also created “Rent,” tells the story of a composer struggling to find his way on the precipice of his 30th birthday.
“Lend Me a Tenor”
March 17-April 2
This Tony Award-winning comedy regales audiences with a tale about world-renowned singer Tito Merelli, or Il Stupendo, as he is fondly known by his fans. When he gets a job at the Cleveland Opera Company in the fall of 1934, he arrives late, and through a series of bizarre circumstances, is believed to be dead. So, the opera manager taps his assistant to fill the tenor’s shoes, causing the leading ladies to vie for his attention.
“Roald Dahl’s Matilda”
May 26-June 11
The acclaimed production inspired by the beloved children’s book tells the story of a bright and rebellious young girl with special abilities.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Mount Dora - Sonnentag Theatre at the IceHouse
“Moon Over Buffalo”
Jan. 13-Feb. 5
George and Charlotte Hay, once theatrical stars, now find themselves playing in a run-down theater in Buffalo and on the brink of breaking up. On top of that, their one last chance at stardom may be foiled by a bevy of characters, including their daughter’s clueless fiancé, Charlotte’s old flame and George’s befuddling stage manager.
“Hello, Dolly!”
March 17-April 19
In 1910 Yonkers, professional matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi, is happy to dole out advice on romance and marriage. She then meets wealthy and widowed Horace Vandergelder, who hires her to find him a second wife, and the two gallivant through New York City.
“The Underpants”
May 12-June 4
Comedian Steve Martin adapts this farce by Carl Sternheim, offering a modern twist on the fleeting nature of fame and sexual politics is set in 1910 Dusseldorf.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Marion County
Ocala - Ocala Civic Theatre
“Into the Breeches!”
Jan. 19-Feb. 5
This dramedy follows theatrical troupe director Maggie Dalton as she attempts to put on an (almost) all-female production of “Henry IV” and “Henry V” while the men are out on the battlefields during World War II.
“Outside Mullingar”
March 2-19
In this charming romance, neighbors in the Irish countryside are falling in love despite the ongoing feud between their two farms.
“Newsies”
May 4-21
Extra, extra! Read all about it: These local newsboys are striking for better conditions in this Disney Broadway musical. Based on a 1992 film of the same name and inspired by the 1899 strike by a coalition of newsboys, the show navigates the pitfalls of being a newsboy at the turn of the 20th century.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Orange County
Orlando - Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
“Disney’s Frozen Jr.”
Jan. 13-15
Based on the 2018 Broadway musical and the 2013 Disney classic, this show brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life featuring memorable songs from the film and new songs written specifically for the stage.
Styx
Jan. 18
The rockers’ world tour is bringing music fans a whole new album. The American rock band will introduce fans to “Crash of the Crown,” an album written before the pandemic and recorded during it.
“Wicked”
Jan. 25-Feb. 12
This Broadway sensation looks closer at what happened in the Land of Oz from the perspective of someone else—the Wicked Witch of the West. When she meets Glinda, a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships.
“Moulin Rouge The Ballet”
Feb. 9-12
Watch as ballerinas dance the night away at the Moulin Rogue and capture the spirit of Paris in the world’s most famous cabaret.
“Shen Yun 2023”
March 16-19
The breathtaking performance exploring China before communism returns, taking audiences on a journey through 5,000 years of divinely inspired culture. Enjoy classical Chinese dance, enchanting live orchestral music, authentic costumes, and patented interactive backdrops.
“Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird”
March 21-26
“West Wing” writer Aaron Sorkin brings this adaption of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel to life, following 1930s Alabama lawyer Atticus Finch into the courtroom as he defends Tom Robinson, a Black man falsely accused of rape.
“Chicago”
April 18-23
The 25th anniversary tour of this razzle dazzle production is coming to Orlando, so get ready to shimmy shake... and all that jazz. Its a musical that’s earned Tony, Olivier and Grammy awards for a reason. Come find out why.
“Mary Poppins”
April 22-23
Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, the musical depicts the beloved magical nanny as she delivers unforgettable songs, breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft.
Steve Martin and Martin Short
April 29
These critically-acclaimed comedians are bringing their punchlines to Orlando as part of their “You Won’t Believe What They Look Like Today!” tour. It promises to leave audiences laughing as Short and Martin poke fun at Hollywood, celebrity, and of course, themselves.
“My Fair Lady”
May 9-14
Listen and watch as Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, with the help of Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor,trys to transform into “a proper lady.”
“Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert”
June 16-17
What would make the Harry Potter film series even better? A live orchestra! Listen to Nicholas Hooper’s wonderful score in person as you follow Harry and his friends on their adventures through their sixth year at Hogwarts.
“Beetlejuice”
June 27-July 2
Based on the Tim Burton Halloween classic of the same name, you may not want to say it three times, but you’ll want to see it three times. The hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Winter Garden - Garden Theatre
“Rock of Ages”
Jan. 25-Feb. 26
In this energetic tribute to the biggest bands of the ‘80s — Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister and more — the party is still raging hard as aspiring rock star Drew arrives on the scene. But can he and his friends save the fate of rock ‘n’ roll venues from falling into the hands German developers?
“Something Rotten!”
April 21-May 21
In this musical, two brothers, Nick and Nigel Bottom, are writing their way through the Renaissance, trying to live up to the name and fame of William Shakespeare himself. Nick visits a fortune teller who predicts that musicals are the next best thing in theatre and so the duo set out to write the world’s first one, fighting social norms, family struggles and “The Bard” in the process.
“Next to Normal”
June 1-30
The Goodmans look like an average American family on the outside — two hard-working parents, two sassy teenagers. But they are all navigating a minefield of mental health challenges. The show takes audiences on a journey inside the minds and hearts of each family member.
“Dreamgirls”
July 7-Aug. 6
The Dreams — Effie, Lorrell and Deena — are three young and talented African American singers in the ‘60s as the fight for civil rights wages on. Together these friends get a taste of show business and all the ambition, betrayal and hope that comes with it. Set to a soundtrack of gospel, R&B, pop, disco and more, this smash hit features popular songs such as, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “Family” and “I Am Changing.”
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Osceola County
Kissimmee - Osceola Arts
“Clue”
Jan. 20-Feb. 5
Watch as Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. White, Mr. Green, Mrs. Peacock and Colonel Mustard, all invited to a mysterious dinner party, try to find the killer when their host turns up dead in this hilarious whodunit based on the popular board game.
“Teatro for the Soul Presents: Me casé por papeles”
Feb. 17-19
“I Got Hitched for Papers,” in English, tells the story of Diego, a 35-year-old florist, who agrees to marry in exchange for $20,000 to fulfill his daughter’s dream of celebrating her quinceañera. But an unexpected twist threatens to derail their plans to evade U.S. immigration laws.
“Sweet Charity”
March 10-26
Bob Fosse’s musical comedy depicts hopeless romantic dance hall hostess Charity Valentine as she stumbles upon what might be true love.
“Steel Magnolias”
April 21-May 7
Sit in for an appointment at this Louisiana beauty salon, where you’ll find “women who are as beautiful as magnolias but as tough as steel.” The story, popularized by the 1989 movie of the same name, shows how these characters deal with mortality, love and the people around them after tragedy strikes.
“Cruel Intentions: The 90′s Musical”
June 9-18
This jukebox musical based on the 1999 film of the same name sets the story of elite prep school students tangled in a web of secrets and temptations to the soundtrack of ‘90s tunes.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Seminole County
Sanford - Ritz Theater
“Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express”
March 10-19
This play adaptation of Agatha Christie’s famous murder mystery follows passengers on the Orient Express on the hunt for a killer after an American tycoon on board turns up dead. Famed detective Hercule Poirot hopes to find the murderer... before they strike again.
“Harvey”
April 28-May 7
This show based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy by Mary Chase follows perfect gentleman, Elwood P. Dowd, and his unlikely best friend—a six-foot tall, invisible rabbit. His sister worries he’s gone insane and tries to have him committed to a mental institution, but is Dowd actually insane?
“Disney’s High School Musical, Jr.”
June 23-25
Watch as Troy, a high school jock, and Gabriella, the new smart girl at school, reconcile with their growing love for each other... and musical theater. The production if full of the catchy songs and exciting dance routines featured in the Disney Channel original movie.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Sanford - Theater West End
“The Great American Trailer Park Musical”
Jan. 12-Feb. 5
This show has everything from broad comedy and Jerry Springer-worthy confrontations to a moral about rising above our mistakes and circumstances. It shows a love triangle between an agoraphobe, a highway toll collector and an exotic dancer with an unhinged ex-boyfriend as they break the fourth wall to air their dirty laundry.
“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time”
March 10-26
Based on the novel by Mark Haddon, this play follows mathematically intelligent and socially inept Christopher as he tries to solve the mystery of who murdered his neighbor’s dog.
“Spring Awakening”
April 14-May 7
This angsty rock musical set in 1891 Germany shows Wendla and Moritz as they navigate their hormones and lives in a world where the grown-ups hold all the cards.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Sumter County
Lady Lake - The Villages Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center
“Legally Blonde”
Jan. 14-15
This international award-winning musical, based on the fabulously fun film, tells the story of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery and scandal during her stint studying law at Harvard University.
The Beach Boys
Feb. 23
These American rock icons are getting around to bringing the California lifestyle to The Villages. Enjoy such hits as “Surfin’ USA,” “Surfer Girl,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “I Get Around,” “California Girls,” “Barbara Ann,” “Good Vibrations,” “Wouldn’t It Be Nice,” and “Kokomo.”
“Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: Songs We Love”
March 15
Up-and-coming greats are ready to present the best in jazz music, including works by Ma Rainey, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and more, promoting their mission to “entertain, enrich and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy.”
“On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan”
March 18-19
This musical follows the lives of Latin pop icons Gloria and Emilio Estefan, weaving in a story of heritage and heart with classics like “Rhythm is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” “1-2-3″ and “Coming Out of the Dark.”
Bernadette Peters
April 1
This Tony- and Grammy-Award winner, and face and voice of multiple Broadway, film and television programs, will be live and in concert, bringing her years of experience with her.
“CATS”
April 21-22
This musical combines Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved soundtrack with T.S. Eliot’s poetry collection. It follows a tribe of cats called the Jellicles on the night they decide which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Volusia County
Daytona Beach - Daytona Playhouse
“Urinetown”
March 24-April 8
In this satirical musical, a 20-year drought leads to a government ban on private toilets and citizens are forced to use public amenities regulated by a profit-hungry company.
“Sherlock Holmes”
May 12-20
This play, written by William Gillette and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle himself, the original creator of the famous British detective, follows Sherlock as he searches for love letters that may cause international issues, all while Moriarty is on the hunt, too.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
DeLand - Athens Theatre
“Matilda the Musical, Jr.”
Jan. 27-Feb. 12
The acclaimed production inspired by the beloved children’s book tells the story of a bright and rebellious young girl with special abilities.
“Noises Off”
March 3-26
Michael Frayn’s delightful farce makes hilarious fun of what goes on backstage onstage. The meta production sees missed cues, flubbed lines and out-of-control egos clash with over-the-top, slapstick humor.
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame”
April 14-May 7
With an Academy Award-nominated score, as well as new songs by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, audiences can revel in 15th century Paris as Quasimodo escapes his cruel caretaker, archdeacon Dom Claude Frollo, to join the Feast of Fools. Along the way, he meets a Romani woman, Esmeralda, who is the only one who treats the titular character with compassion.
With Captain Phoebus, Quasimodo and Frollo all competing for her affection, and the latter set out to destroy the Roma, its up to the hunchback to save them all.
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
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