Performing Arts Guide: Theatre

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[box type=”shadow” align=”aligncenter” class=”” width=””]Twice a year EU compiles all the performing arts events happening in the area and presents them to our readers in an easy to read list. Here we have the Theatre events that will be on Jacksonville stages from September 2015 to January 2016. We will have a new list in February 2016. We also have listings of Dance, Comedy, Family, Opera, Classical Music, Jazz, Tribute, Revue and other concerts. Make your plans and enjoy the show! [/box]

Thru Sept 6 HARVEY Thru Sept 6 Elwood P. Dowd is a delightfully eccentric bachelor living in a small town that isn’t quite aware that its newest citizen is a 6’3” white (invisible to some) rabbit named “Harvey.” Harvey stars Charles Shaughnessy. Alhambra Dinner Theatre | MORE INFO

Sept 4 -20 WORKING  This examination of 26 people from all walks of life proves that it’s more than just a job for the average working American. Directed by Rick De Spain; musical direction by Shawn Pendry; choreography by Cody Russell. Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre | MORE INFO

Sept 5-12 AND THEN THERE WERE NONE  Celebrating the 125th anniversary of Agatha Christie’s birth with this radio play performance of arguably Agatha Christie’s most famous play. Fernandina Little Theatre | MORE INFO

Sept 11-Oct 4 LUCKY STIFF This murder-mystery musical  propels a shoe clerk into a lunatic mix of a body, a mistress, her brother and dogs, dogs, dogs.  An inheritance with a string attached takes us from London to Monte Carlo with fun and hilarity along the way. Orange Park Community Theatre | MORE INFO

Sept 12-13 ON MY OWN: THE EARLY ADVENTURES OF DAVID COPPERFIELD Adapted by Jacksonville playwright Ian Mairs from the beloved classic by Charles Dickens, On My Own, brings to life the trials and tribulations of David Copperfield as he struggles to find his way in the world. Apex Theatre | Jacksonville University Swisher Auditorium | MORE INFO

Sept 16 – Oct 18 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL Three women–an overworked office manager, a jilted wife and an objectified secretary–conspire to depose their smarmy boss and begin making woman-friendly changes in the workplace. It’s about teaming up and taking care of business, getting credit and getting even. Alhambra Dinner Theatre | MORE INFO

Sept 18 – Oct 10 LA CAGE AUX FOLLES  Meeting the in-laws is never easy, but Jean-Michel has it tougher than most. His future in-laws are ultra-conservative, while his father runs a drag nightclub where his “mother” is the star performer. When Jean-Michel asks them to masquerade as a straight couple for just one night, things go hysterically wrong. Directed and choreographed by James Kinney; music direction by Stefanie Batson. Players by the Sea | MORE INFO

Sept 18 – Oct 18 RING OF FIRE Johnny Cash hits! In 38 musical numbers, a mosaic of American experience is pieced together in Ring of Fire! Limelight Theatre | MORE INFO

Sept 18 – Oct 4 THE MOUSETRAP The world’s longest-running play by Agatha Christie! A group of strangers is stranded in a boarding house during a snowstorm, one of whom is a murderer. The suspects include the newly married couple who run the house; a spinster with a curious background; an architect who seems better equipped to be a chef; a retired Army major; a strange little man who claims his car has overturned in a drift; and a jurist who makes life miserable for everyone. Into their midst comes a policeman, traveling on skis. He no sooner arrives, when someone is killed! To get to the rationale of the murderer’s pattern, the policeman probes the background of everyone present, and rattles a lot of skeletons. Theatre Jacksonville | MORE INFO

Sept 21 ONE MAN BREAKING BAD The Unauthorized Parody features one man and 60 episodes. LA actor Miles Allen smacks the senses with his super-charged, crazily accurate renditions of all the iconic characters, including Walter White, Jesse, Saul, Skyler, Hank, Walt Junior, Mike and Gus Fring. Directed by Dan Clarkson, the show turns the dark suspense into a hilarious, 75-minute journey. The show will feature adult language and content. Parental guidance is advised for audience members under the age of 16. Times-Union Center | MORE INFO

Sept 26 A HEART THAT FORGIVES A stage play about 3 groups of people who are affected by the people closest to them. They encounter lies, deceit and betrayal. Will they survive the tragedies or will they stay trapped in a self-contained prison in an eternal torment. Ritz Theatre | MORE INFO

Sept 29 SCREWTAPE LETTERS The play, adapted from C.S. Lewis’ beloved book, follows Satan’s top psychiatrist Screwtape and his slavish creature-demon Toadpipe, as they train an apprentice demon, Wormwood, on how to ruin the life and damn the soul of an unsuspecting human on earth. Florida Theatre | MORE INFO

Oct 1-9 TREPIDATION NATION  We all have instinctive fears–but what if a fear becomes inexplicable, illogical, and just plain weird?  Then you’re dealing with a phobia, one of the most extreme and fascinating of terrors. Actors Theatre of Louisville asked 16 frighteningly creative playwrights to find inspiration in real phobias, and the resulting collection of pieces might prove that not only is fear humankind’s oldest emotion, but it’s also one of our silliest, most serious and stage-worthy. Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Main Stage Theatre | MORE INFO

Oct 8 – 24 WAIT UNTIL DARK In this play by Frederick Knott, a blind woman, aided by a young neighbor girl, must outwit a dangerous con man in her Greenwich Village apartment, by using darkness to her advantage. Even if you know the ending, you’ll hold your breath during the elaborate and electrifying game of cat and mouse played in this well-constructed Broadway thriller. Amelia Community Theatre | MORE INFO

Oct 11 AN INCONCEIVABLE EVENING WITH CARY ELWES  Florida Theatre | MORE INFO

Oct 21 – Nov 22 ANYTHING GOES This shining example of classic musical theater, complete with amazing tap numbers, campy jokes, unlikely happy endings and eminently hummable songs like ‘De-Lovely,’ ‘I Get a Kick Out Of You’ and ‘Anything Goes,’ courtesy of the unforgettable score by Cole Porter. Alhambra Dinner Theatre | MORE INFO

Oct 21 TO THE SEA Like the creek, sea, and river they connect to, the stories of a boy, a man, and an elder flow, shift, and interweave in this three-man, theatrical exploration of the human relationship with water. “To the Sea” is a play by Kelby Siddons, produced in association with Players by the Sea Theatre, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, and LEAP Creative. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens | Players by the Sea | MORE INFO

Oct 23 – Nov 15 THE CHRISTIANS A thought-provoking play which asks, “What does it take to be a Christian in today’s world?” Adult themes.Limelight Theatre | MORE INFO

Oct 24 THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Florida Theatre’s annual Halloween tradition continues! Hosted by Karrissa Wade with live music before the movie by The Splinters. The ultimate Halloween movie, the 1975 musical is a tribute to the science fiction “B Movies” of the 40’s and 50’s. Bring your costumes, bring your props. Florida Theatre | MORE INFO

Oct 30 – Nov 15 BLACK PEARL SINGS! Music unites strangers and bridges racial divisions in this powerful story.  It’s 1935 and an ambitious white song collector for the Library of Congress visits a Texas prison where she meets Pearl, an African-American woman with a soulful voice and steely spirit. Starring Chelsea Love Hunt as Pearl and Gretta Russe as Susannah.Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre | MORE INFO

Nov 6-22 INSANE WITH POWER These super heroes will have you laughing all the way home. Bring the whole family. Orange Park Community Theatre | MORE INFO

Nov 6-21 A BEHANDLING IN SPOKANE Lugging a mysterious suitcase and a bad temper, a one-handed man, Carmichael, has searched 27 years for his missing appendage. When dim-witted lovebirds Toby and Marilyn try to con him with an ancient hand filched from a museum, Carmichael sets up a diabolical revenge scheme involving a can of gasoline, a lighted candle and handcuffs. Sparks (and body parts) fly in this dark comedy filled with grisly-humor and salty language. Players by the Sea | MORE INFO

Nov 6 – 22 ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID In this hilarious comedic romp, four friends have sworn to keep the promise they made on the night of their Senior Prom: to be in each other’s weddings…no matter what. More than thirty years later, these Southern friends-for-life are still making “the long walk” for each other, determined to honor that vow. Hop on this marriage-go-round for a laugh-out-loud journey with these beleaguered bridesmaids as they navigate the choppy waters of love and matrimony.Theatre Jacksonville | MORE INFO

Nov 8 ALL HANDS ON DECK Join the Florida Theatre as we honor our veterans! Based on Bob Hope’s 1942 USO tour to the troops, the musical features four sparkling Hollywood stars accompanied by the Hollywood Victory Caravan Orchestra. From roadshow to radio broadcast, their on-air antics, classic commercials and rousing comedy perfectly blend to create a full patriotic salute to our active duty and veteran members of the armed services. Florida Theatre | MORE INFO

Nov 18-22 HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING In this play based on the book by Shepherd Mead, J. Pierpont Finch buys a book which describes in step-by-step fashion how to rise in the business world. The ambitious young window washer follows its advice carefully. He joins the “World Wide Wicket Company” and starts in the mailroom. Thanks to the ethically questionable advice in the book, he rises to VP of Advertising. Along the way he falls in love with Rosemary Pilkington, a secretary at the company. By story’s end, Finch has become Chairman of the board, and, who knows, he may make the White House his next step to success! Directed by Kevin Covert.Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Main Stage Theatre | MORE INFO

Nov 24- Dec 24 CHRISTMAS CAROLE  An Alhambra classic returns – book early for this wonderful holiday tradition!Alhambra Dinner Theatre  | MORE INFO

Dec 4-20 GODSPELL How can a diverse group of strangers create community against a backdrop of political upheaval and social injustice? Through energetic storytelling and a breezy, sing-along pop score, parables from the Biblical Gospels become the inspiration for building togetherness, compassion and trust. This uplifting, feel-good show for all ages captures the true meaning of the Holiday Season.Players by the Sea | MORE INFO

Dec 4 – 20 CONEY ISLAND CHRISTMAS Pulitzer Prize-winner Donald Margulies weaves together nostalgia, music and merriment in this new seasonal classic. A holiday show for people of all ages and all faiths, the production introduces us to Shirley Abramowitz, a young Jewish girl who (much to her immigrant parents’ exasperation) is cast as Jesus in the school’s Christmas pageant. As Shirley, now much older, recounts the memorable story to her great-granddaughter, the play captures a timeless and universal tale of what it means to be an American during the holidays. Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre | MORE INFO

Dec 5-12 A CHRISTMAS CAROL Fernandina Little Theatre | MORE INFO

Dec 15 JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS Like a wayward Santa for the Christmas obsessed, legendary filmmaker and raconteur John Waters rides into town on his sleigh full of smut spreading yuletide cheer with his critically acclaimed one-man show. Putting the X in X-mas, Waters’ rapid-fire monologue explores and explodes traditional archetypes as he shares his compulsive desire to give and receive perverted gifts, a religious fanaticism for Santa Claus, and an unhealthy love of true crime holiday horror stories. Florida Theatre | MORE INFO

Jan 12 – 17 42ND STREET The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic, 42nd Street is the song and dance fable of Broadway with an American Dream story and includes some of the greatest songs ever written, such as ‘We’re In The Money,’ ‘Lullaby of Broadway,’ ‘Shuffle Off To Buffalo,’ ‘Dames,’ ‘I Only Have Eyes For You’ and, of course, ‘42nd Street.’ Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and on Busby Berkeley’s 1933 movie, 42nd Street tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. Times-Union Center – Moran Theater | FSCJ Artist Series | MORE INFO

 Jan 12-15 NOODLE DOODLE BOX In this engaging lesson in learning to share and to live together, Pepper and Zacharias are two clowns. They each possess a box–a private space which they refuse to share with the other. Their boxes are unique in their own special way. An overbearing Drum Major appears and decides he likes both boxes. He pits Pepper and Zacharias against each other so that he can steal their boxes–until a magical new box appears which they learn to share and enjoy together. An important children’s work, but more importantly, a delightful, entertaining play. Douglas Anderson School of the Arts,Black Box Theatre | MORE INFO  

Jan 15 & 17 EVA CHASE WOOD This special performance, written by local playwright Jennifer Chase, follows an adolescent’s path to discovery and identity, set in a 1970s Catholic School. For further information or to register, please call 899-6038. Cummer Art & Gardens | MORE INFO

Jan 15-22 WRONG TURN AT LUNGFISH By Garry Marshall and Lowell Ganz. P-G guidelines. Orange Park Community Theatre | MORE INFO 

Jan 15-30 COTTON ALLEY Drawing upon her upbringing in a small Georgia town, Gowan creates rhythms of Southern life and language in a story with engaging, richly-drawn characters. It is both the coming-of-age story of 19-year-old Avery Rose and a tale of redemption for Avery’s wayward, damaged mother Ginger. Gentle humor and heartfelt insights illuminate this beautifully written script.Players by the Sea | MORE INFO

Jan 15 – 31 THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA It’s the summer of 1953, and Margaret Johnson is touring the Tuscan countryside with her beautiful, 26-year-old daughter Clara, who has the mental and emotional capacity of a young girl. While sightseeing, Clara meets and falls in love with a handsome Florentine, Fabrizio. Margaret is determined to keep them apart to protect Clara, but as the romance intensifies, Margaret must decide whether or not to release her hold—and bravely give the young lovers her blessing. A smash hit on Broadway and winner of six Tony Awards and five Drama Desk Awards. Theatre Jacksonville | MORE INFO

Jan 22-Feb 14 THE GRAPES OF WRATH Desperately proud, but reduced to poverty by the loss of their farm, the Joads pile their few possessions on a battered, old truck and head west for California, hoping to find work and a better life. Limelight Theatre | MORE INFO

Jan 22 – Feb 7 ORDINARY DAYS Music and lyrics by Adam Gwon; directed by Lee Hamby. From one of musical theatre’s most exciting new composers comes Ordinary Days, a refreshingly honest and funny musical about making real connections in the city that never sleeps (but probably should, at some point). Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre | MORE INFO

Jan 23 STAR TREK: THE ULTIMATE VOYAGE  Star Trek: The Ultimate Voyage brings five decades of Star Trek to concert halls for the first time in this galaxy or any other. This lavish production includes an impressive live symphony orchestra and international solo instruments, while the most iconic Star Trek film and TV footage is simultaneously beamed in high definition to a 40-foot wide screen. FSCJ Artist Series | Times-Union Center |MORE INFO

Feb 4-20 PICNIC  It’s Labor Day weekend and two households of women are preparing for the big picnic. An unexpected guest appears, a man who promises excitement, offers temptations, and exposes the emptiness in their lives. The upheaval that follows becomes a call for action for the women in this steamy, 1953 Pulitzer Prize-winner for Drama. Amelia Community Theatre | MORE INFO

Feb 11-13  RADIO GOLF The last play in August Wilson’s famous Pittsburgh Cycle, this piece explores the life of up-and-coming mayoral candidate Harmond Wilkes, a charming and powerful African-American politician running for the highest office of his career. On the brink of an almost guaranteed win, Wilkes finds himself at a crossroads between his ambition and the place where he was born. He learns what the price of his success will cost, and has to decide if he is willing to pay it. Ritz Theatre | MORE INFO

Feb 12-27 MOTHERS AND SONS Is it okay to get over the loss of a loved one and go on with life? Katharine Gerard cannot accept the death of her son Andre from AIDS twenty years earlier. Angry and bitter, she visits Andre’s lover Cal, now living happily in New York with a husband and a son. This compassionate play examines the transformative power of forgiveness and our evolving definitions of marriage and family. Players by the Sea | MORE INFO