It’s always exciting when the new theater season rolls around, although more of our local theaters have events going on throughout the year. It’s a real boon for those who are here year-round and for the hapless entertainment writer looking for the latest and greatest to write about.
This year, there are changes at several venues, some of which are noticeable and some that are inside baseball that won’t affect audiences. As has been noted before, Indian River State College has ended its performing arts program and there will be no student productions. The Treasure Coast Theatre in Port St. Lucie has become a nonprofit, allowing it to seek grants and donations, but the change will not affect programming, which always has an interesting blend of dramas, mysteries, comedies and musicals.
The Sunrise Theatre in downtown Fort Pierce will have a wide variety of offerings, including tributes to bands including Bread, Alabama, ABBA, Phil Collins, Neil Diamond and the Bee Gees. Three shows in particular caught my attention. On Oct. 11, Behind the Scream: a Live Conversation with David Arquette, will follow a 30th anniversary screening of the iconic horror film in which he played Dewey Riley. A moderated Q-&-A will follow. Nov. 19 brings Bad Co. Legacy, featuring former Bad Company members Robert Hart and Dave “Bucket” Colwell, and March 2 features the Rock Orchestra by Candlelight, performing the music of Rage Against the Machine, Nirvana, Hozier and more.
The Lyric Theatre in downtown Stuart has a full plate as well, but upcoming is comedian Kevin Nealon Sept. 24, Atlanta Rhythm Section Nov. 8 and John Pizzarelli in a tribute to Tony Bennett on Nov. 19. Mindi Abair returns with a Christmas show Dec. 9; the Florida native “can’t wait for Christmas,” and it’s a great way to usher in the season. Florida Arts & Dance will present “The Nutcracker” Dec. 12-13, and you have the perfect gift for the ballerina in your life.
A.C.T. Studio Theatre in Stuart will present a special event Oct. 23-25. In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Sherri Paradis will perform Tom Flannery’s play “God Bless Roy Campanella.” Based on a true story, Katie Morgan sits, late at night, and tells the truth, perhaps for the first time. Moving between laughter and heartbreak, she searches for words she never got to say out loud. This one-woman play is about what we carry inside, what we hide, and what we do for love.
The Barn Theatre in Stuart has a series of musicals including “Sister Act,” “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying,” “Anything Goes” and Disney’s “The Little Mermaid.” Of special interest is the musical “Come From Away,” which will be presented March 4-21. It recounts the true story of 7,000 stranded airline passengers and the small Newfoundland town that welcomed them in the aftermath of Sept. 11. While the world watched the events in horror, the people of Gander, in Canada, opened their hearts and homes to strangers. The score, by Irene Sankoff and David Heim, blends folk and rock influences and will be performed with a live band. The show celebrates acts of kindness, resilience, and the importance of human connection.
The Pineapple Playhouse in Fort Pierce, “the little community theater that could and does,” has the comedies “See How They Run” and Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit,” as well as “A Good Old Fashioned Redneck Christmas,” the comedy/mystery “Communicating Doors” by English playwright Alan Ayckbourn, and the beloved “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” There really is something for everyone.
Vero Beach’s Riverside Theatre has the Comedy Zone, children’s programming, classes for children and adults and professional theater, including the world premiere of “The Mouse and the Mustache,” a play about a collaboration between Walt Disney and Salvadore Dali. There is also the mystery “Clue,” based on the board game, and the crowd-pleasing “Hairspray.”
Many of the venues have holiday programming and special events throughout the year. Check websites and put yourself on mailing lists for notices of upcoming events and first crack at good seats. Some of the theaters offer memberships, as well. It’s a good way to support local theater and again, often gives you first notification of what’s happening.
Supporting local theaters is a win-win proposition. You can choose concerts or dramas, comedies and musicals. The theaters can continue to thrive, bringing revenue to local restaurants and other businesses. Live theater is the best way to introduce kids to the joy the performing arts can bring. Everyone benefits when the arts thrive. Help make it happen in our community.