Theatre Reviews

Jacksonville University’s Theatre Department presented the World Premiere of “String,” the first full length play in JU’s history written by a current JU student and produced by the theatre department. Carlos Adorno, who is now in his third year at JU, penned this family drama and also appears on stage as Chris. In the program credits, Adorno credits Professor Brian Palmer, Dr. Tim Snyder, and Professor for their assistance in bringing this story to life. The show is set in New York City, and most of the action occurs in the modest apartment of “Ma,” a middle-aged Hispanic woman, portrayed …

With high-energy songs by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, an uplifting underdog story, and a rousing local cast,  is utterly delightful. Based on a 1992 Disney movie starring Christian Bale as well as the real-life Newsboy Strike of 1899, Newsies runs at The Island Theater from October 4-14th (Fri. & Sat. 7:30 PM; Sat. & Sun. 2 PM). Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Admissions cost $15/ adult and $10/ student. Plan ahead, because shows are popular and sell out. If you’re not familiar with the plot, Newsies is the ultimate David and Goliath tale. Jack Kelly, …

A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW The 5 & Dime Theatre Company has opened Buyer & Cellar, one of the funniest one-person one-act shows you will ever have the opportunity to see. The group was founded seven years ago and has consistently staged outstanding productions; this is their second year in their permanent home in . This outrageously humorous comedy written by Jonathan Tolins opened on October 5th and will remain on stage through October 21, 2018. Mr. Tolins was inspired to write the play after encountering “My Passion for Design,” a lavish coffee table book by Barbra Streisand published in 2010. …

Taking the stage before the opening of The Color Purple, director Jereme Raickett asked two things of the audience. Silence your cell phones and clear your mind of any distractions, open your heart and prepare to receive the communion that is this story. Okay, that’s technically four things but following his suggested directives ensures you will experience the maximum emotional impact of this stunning and captivating musical. Delivering a powerhouse performance to sold out crowds, Players’ 53rd season opened with the joyful noise of choral ensemble, setting a spiritual tone for the 40-year journey shared through the lens of Celie, a …

St. Augustine’s Limelight Theatre opened a revival of “Cabaret” (September 20 – October 21, 2018) on the Matuza Mainstage. The theatre is located at 11 Old Mission Avenue; ample free parking is available. Visit limelight-theatre.org or call 904-825-1164 for reservations. John Kander and Fred Ebb created this enduring musical, which received eight Tony awards after opening on Broadway in 1966. A film adaptation followed in 1972, which received eight Academy Awards. The story explores the rise of the Nazi Party in pre-World War II Germany, and is as relevant today as when it debuted over fifty years ago. As you …

“Like the color purple, where do it come from? Now my eyes are open – look what God has done.” An epic tale of a 40 years in the life of a family in rural Georgia unfolds tomorrow with the opening of The Color Purple at in . Based on the 1982 novel by Alice Walker, the heart of the story centers around 14-year old Celie, who is separated from all that she loves when she is forced by her abusive father to marry a cruel farmer called “Mister” played by Eugene Lindsey. Under the direction of Jereme Raickett, Celie …

A DUAL CRITICS REVIEW Jacksonville’s Alhambra Theatre revives one of the most popular shows it has ever done with the staging of “” This musical about eight Catholic school students in the 1950’s debuted in 1979 and is based on an earlier novel by John Powers; he subsequently wrote the book for the play, while James Quinn and Alaric Jans added music and lyrics. The Alhambra’s production opened on September 12 and runs through October 11, 2018. At times, we are asked if those of other faiths can enjoy this show: our response is “Yes!” and is based on the …

Theatre Jacksonville began the 2018-19 season with the staging of Joseph Kesselring’s “” as the selection for its annual Classic in San Marco series (September 14 —30, 2018). Good reviews followed the play’s debut in 1941 and it has remained popular. It is one of the best dark comedies of all time; a comedy filled with hilarious frenzied activity, and the funniest play we have seen this year. As we waited for the opening scene, we were impressed by the interior of the Brooklyn mansion created by Tim Watson, the theatre’s Scenic, Lighting and Technical Director. The setting, which portrays …

Theater-goers packed Orange Park Community Theater on Sunday, September 16th for a rousing rendition of Seussical the Musical, the first production of the theater’s 49th season. Whimsical and entertaining, Seussical inspired a heartfelt standing ovation and lifted the spirits of young and old alike. Directed by , the musical runs from August 31-September 30th. The show features local talent and took about 2 ½ months of dedicated work to prepare for opening. “This show has had me excited,” Green says, “It’s such a fabulous group of people to work with and I just love them.” Seussical the Musical is a …