“There is nothing that compares to an unexpected round of applause…” MARCH 2025 ISSUE 30 FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE MAN OF LA MANCHA March 1 & 2, 2025 EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT March 6 - 9, 2025 WEST COAST PLAYERS OVER THE RIVER & THROUGH THE WOODS March 7 - 23, 2025 GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS IF THE SHOE FITS March 20 - 30, 2025 ST. PETERSBURG CITY THEATRE SISTER ACT - THE MUSICAL March 28 - April 6, 2025
Hello All! Such fabulous shows going on now! The calendar is filling up fast! Can’t wait to see them ALL!!!!!! Be safe and be happy! See you on the Boards Val Sanford
How are things in Glocca Morra? Is that willow tree still weeping there? Does that lassie with the twinklin' eye Come smilin' by and does she walk away? “How Are Things In Glocca Morra?” “Finian’s Rainbow” (1947) Dunedin Showcase Theater (DST) Venue Actor Studio (VAS) c/o Mike Cote 5124 9th Avenue N 1920 Pinehurst Road St. Petersburg, FL 33710 Dunedin, FL 34698 727-822-6194 727-417-0035 [email protected] [email protected] West Coast Players (WCP) Eight O’Clock Theatre (EOT) 21905 US 19 North Central Park Perf. Arts Ctr. Clearwater, FL 33765 105 Central Park Drive 727-437-2363 Largo, FL 33771 wcplayers.org PO Box 297, Safety Harbor, FL 34695 727-587-6751 SAGES Theater (SAGES) [email protected] 727-692-0902 www.eightoclocktheatre.com [email protected] sagestheater.org Francis Wilson Playhouse (FWP) 302 Seminole Street Clearwater, FL 33755 Tarpon Springs Performing 727-446-1360 Arts (TA) franciswilsonplayhouse.org 324 Pine Street Cultural Center The Ghostlight Young Company (GYC} 101 S. Pinellas Avenue c/o Rachel Fennell Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 3010 51st Street South 727-942-6605 Gulfport, FL 33707 tarponarts.org (978) 930-3804 www.ghostlightyc.org Richey Suncoast Theatre (RST) 6237 Grand Blvd. Gulfport Community Players (GCP) New Port Richey, FL 34652 1619 49th Street S 727-842-6777 Gulfport, FL 33707 richeysuncoasttheatre.com gulfportcommunityplayers.org St. Petersburg City Theatre (SPCT) 4025 31st Street South St. Petersburg, FL 33712 727-866-2059 spcitytheatre.org
THEATRE: ST. PETERSBURG SUNSHINE SENIOR CENTER PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: HEAVEN HELP US By David Middleton AUDITIONS AUDITION DATES: Thursday, March 18, 2025, from 9:30 to 12 noon at the St. Petersburg Sunshine Senior Center, 330 5th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 PRODUCTION DATES: Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm at the Senior Center. DIRECTOR: Written & Directed by David Middleton SYNOPSIS: Satan is after Max Malone’s soul and Lola, one of Satan’s best seducers, has been sent to get it. Will she succeed or will the love of a good woman foil her plan? Characters Max Malone, a heavenly talent agent Emily Baumgartner, his long suffering, love-sick assistant Lionel and Angelica, angel aides Stella Divine, an over-eager, aspiring performer Along with various angels and divine beings such as: Satan, Lucrezia Borgia, Temptress Lola and assorted fiends and demons. Note: Please note that rehearsals will be held at the Sunshine Senior Center on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9:30 am to 12:00 noon starting March 20, 2025. The performances will be Friday and Saturday, May 16 and 17, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Auditions will be cold readings from the script. All songs will be artfully lip synched. St. Petersburg Sunshine Senior Center, 330 5th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
THEATRE: GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA McBRIDE AUDITIONS AUDITION DATES: March 31st and April 1st, 2025, 7PM, at the Players' Back Door Theater, 1619 49th St S, Gulfport PRODUCTION DATES: June 5 - 15, St. Pete Pride month, at 2025 at the Catherine Hickman Theatre, 5501 27th Avenue, Gulfport, FL 33707 Tickets $20 (plus $1.50 service fee) online at www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org or $25 CASH at the door. DIRECTOR: Ron Zietz Looking for 4 males and 1 woman. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. The ability to play guitar is helpful (but not necessary) for the younger male role. For complete character descriptions go to the website at www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org Info: This gender-bender farce pays tribute to the art of drag queens, lip-synching, and choreography.
THEATRE: WEST COAST PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: DIAL M FOR MURDER Jeffrey Hatcher’s Adaption AUDITIONS AUDITION DATES: Monday, March 10, 2025 and Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 7PM at the West Coast Players theatre at 21905 US Hwy 19 North in Clearwater. PRODUCTION DATES: April 25 – May 11, 2025, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. There will both a 2 pm and a 7:30 pm show on Saturday May 10. DIRECTOR: Domenic Bisesti Audition information is available on the Auditions page of the WCP website: wcplayers.com. The audition form is to be completed online and can be found on the website or by using the following: https://form.jotform.com/243304754555155 Cast of Characters Margot Wendice - 30s/40s Female-presenting, English. Self-described as a recluse. She has been pushed and prodded into most major decisions in her life and is left deeply unfulfilled by where she landed. She is deeply in the closet, and her greatest fear is being found out. Maxine Hadley - 30s/40s Female-presenting, American. A writer - just published her first full-length novel. She has an incredible mind for murder plots. Very independent, but has a huge heart for those she loves. In the closet, but with the door half open. Tony Wendice - 30s/40s Male-presenting, English. A deviously brilliant chameleon. His greatest talent is improvisation, his greatest weapon is his charm, and his greatest love is money.
Lesgate - 30s/40s Male-presenting, English. An under-the-radar serial killer *gasp!*. He is always looking out for number one, and plotting to get the most lucrative deal. Inspector Hubbard - 40s/50s Male-presenting, English. A man of his time. He is devoted to the facts and truth above all, though he does sometimes let his own biases cloud his judgment. Show Synopsis Hitchcock’s classic murder mystery is re-envisioned in Jeffrey Hatcher’s suspenseful, plot-twisting adaptation. Former writer Tony Wendice concocts a plan to murder his wealthy wife, Margot, after discovering she is having an affair. When the deadly scheme goes awry and Margot is herself convicted of murder, her former lover fights to reveal the truth about her husband’s lethal intentions. With its exploration of greed, power, and manipulation, this clever, fast-paced re-imagining adds additional layers to the iconic tale, making the question of “Will he get away with it?” even more thrilling. What To Prepare We invite all performers to audition for the roles they most identify with. Accents will be used in the production, so please bring your best attempts - but they will not be required at auditions. Dial M For Murder (cont’d)
THEATRE: SAGES PLAY/MUSICAL: PHONEY BALONEY By Linda Goldman PRODUCTION DATES April 6, 12, 19, 28. All shows are 2pm3:30pm. Free Admission. Venues listed under More Information. DIRECTORS: Nona Edelson and Alicia Merel CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Sgt Moe Wayne Burtoft Jessica Linda Horrell Nick Martin McAuliffe Nora Letty Mendoza Claire Blanche Ganey Pat Sandra Adler Mary Martha Cindy Heller Ralph Ed Kraemer Scammer 1 Scott Hodges Scammer 2 Cynthia Hoffman Scene Setter Max Roberts SYNOPSIS: Phoney Baloney is a fast-moving mix of comedy and drama, based on true stories, revealing how scammers steal from the smartest among us and how you can slam the scam. You are the target. You don’t have to be the victim! MORE INFO: April 6, Sunday, Central Park Performing Arts Center; April 12, Saturday, Catherine Hickman Theater; April 19, Saturday, Murray Theater at Ruth Eckerd Hall; April 28, Monday, Causeway Center/Feeding Tampa Bay, 3624 Causeway Blvd, Tampa. Reservations for FREE general admission tickets are available at https://mytbtickets.com/organizations/sages-theater-inc OR go to the website www.sagestheater.org and click on the RED reservation banner at the top of the page. Doors open at 1pm for reservations. Walk-ins seated at 1:45. Arrive early to visit resource tables, get free goody bags, and register for free prize drawings. Don’t delay…these venues fill up! For more information, call 727-202-2302 or email to [email protected]. CAST LIST
THEATRE: EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE CAST LIST PRODUCTION DATES: May 2 - 11, 2025 PERFORMANCES: at the Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL 33771 Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM; Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM More info: eightoclocktheatre.com DIRECTOR: James Grenelle CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Charlie Tim Dalton Lola Topher Warren Lauren Jessica Hill Nicola KayleyJewel Don Max Carley George Jay Allen Pat Lauren Dykes Trish Sara Pierce Harry Steven Fox The Angels: Aniesa Hanson Evan Lomba TJ Howsare Rico Navedo Kendall Kay Dioscar Montesino Ensemble: Rick Coates Bri Middleton Coral Furtako David O’Brien Jay Heatherly Erin Scoigletti Arbie Ignacio Reggie Simmons Jenna Jane Kristine Weinstein PLAY/MUSICAL: KINKY BOOTS By Cyndi Lauper (music), and Harvey Fierstein (book)
THEATRE: FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE PLAY/MUSICAL: THE SUNSHINE BOYS By Neil Simon CAST LIST PRODUCTION DATES: April 3 - 13, 2025 at Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater, FL 33755 franciswilsonplayhouse.org Performances: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM; Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM; 2nd Saturday Matinee at 2:00 PM DIRECTOR: Jason Fortner CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Willie Clark Lee Catalfomo Al Lewis Rick Bronson Ben Silverman Alex Lodge Burlesque Nurse Nicole Lodge Registered Nurse Shelly Fowler The story follows Willie Clark and Al Lewis, who were once a highly successful vaudeville comedy team. However, after over 40 years of performing together, their partnership ended acrimoniously. Some dozen years later, a young theatrical agent, who is also Willie's nephew, tries to bring the two older men together for a comedy TV special. Despite their animosity towards each other, they reluctantly agree to reunite for one last performance. The Sunshine Boys explores themes of friendship, aging, and the passage of time. It offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of relationships and the challenges of reconciling the past with the present. Despite the comedic tone, the play also touches on deeper emotions and the inevitable changes that come with growing old.
THEATRE: WEST COAST PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL: OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS By Joe DiPietro CAST LIST DIRECTOR: Rick Kastel STAGE MGR. Jeanne Botz CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Nick Michael Juliano Frank Brian Harvey Nunzio Stan Gurvitz Emma Rosalyn Savel Aida Gloria Moranski Caitlin Candice Kruse Nick Cristano may be living the life of a modern young professional in New York City, but his loving grandparents never let him forget where he belongs: in New Jersey, in the bosom of his tenacious, tender-hearted, loud, loving, and well-fed ItalianAmerican grandparents, who live two doors down from each other in Hoboken, and who lavish all of their affection on their last unmarried grandchild. Faithfully, Nick goes “over the river” to Grandma’s house every week for Sunday dinner. When he is offered an important promotion in Seattle, Washington, Nick threatens to break this routine by a distance of some 2,800 miles! Frank, Aida, Emma, and Nunzio are heartbroken at the prospect of their beloved grandson raising a family all the way across the country -- or worse, not raising a family at all! Besides the usual tactics of emotional blackmail, in order to keep him safe at home, these wily elders cook up a matchmaking scheme, inviting lovely nurse Caitlin O’Hare over for Sunday dinner. Will the prospect of true love keep Nick from moving across the country? Over the River and Through the Woods is a warm-hearted, boisterously funny, and touching story about intergenerational relationships, deep familial love, and the inevitable little heartbreaks that occur as time passes and children grow. Joe DiPietro’s intimate family comedy featuring a mature cast is a beloved staple of theatres across the United States. PRODUCTION DATES: March 7 - 23, 2025 at West Coast Players, 21905 US 19 North, Clearwater, FL 33765 wcplayers.org Performances: Friday & Saturday Nights at 7:30PM, Sundays at 2:00PM & Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 2:00PM.
THEATRE: FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE PLAY/MUSICAL MAN OF LA MANCHA By Dale Wasserman, Mitch Leigh, & Joe Darion CAST LIST DIRECTOR: Jason Fortner MUSIC DIRECTOR: Emi Stefanov CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Don Quixote/ Dave Davis Cervantes Sancho Panza/ Landon D. Moore Manservant Aldonza/Dulcinea Rachel McCann Governor/Innkeeper Stu Sanford Duke Kevin Nurnberger Dr. Sansone Corrasco Alex Juliano Antonia Chelsea Scourtes Pedro Diego Rogers Barber Jeffrey Preil Maria Yvelisse Cedrez Wallace Other cast members include Kristie Affolter, Desirae Rogers, Matt Howard, Tyler Rogers, Payton Wellington, Austin Christopher, and more... PRODUCTION DATES: February 13 - March 2, 2025 at Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole Street, Clearwater, FL 33755 franciswilsonplayhouse.org Performances: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM; Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM; 2nd Saturday Matinee at 2:00 PM
THEATRE: EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE PLAY/MUSICAL JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT CAST LIST DIRECTOR: Travis Moore CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Joseph Kyle Williamson Narrators Lisa Prieto Adriana Budna Emma Foroutan Pharoah Stephen Fee Jacob Jay Allen Levi Sadra Bostick Simeon TJ Howsare Reuben Jonathan Foster Nephtali/Butler Stephen Riordan Judah/Potiphar/Baker Michael Sporck Zebulun TJ Venieris Asher Jackie Deppner Gad Christian McCormick Isaachar Polly Croucher Benjamin Alex Bourdais One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers, and the coat of many colors. Told entirely through song with the help of main Narrators, the musical follows preferred son Joseph. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family. With a boisterous score and larger than life characters, this energetic musical will have you humming along! PRODUCTION DATES: February 28 - March 9, 2025 at the Central Park Performing Arts Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo, FL 33771 PERFORMANCES: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM; Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM eightoclocktheatre.com
THEATRE: GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS PLAY/MUSICAL IF THE SHOE FITS By Matt Thompson, Matt Chiorini, and Dana Vermette CAST LIST DIRECTOR: Roseanne Olszewski CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Delores Stacie Steinke Marvin Ron Goldstein Esperanza Aida Gonzalez George Rudy Gonzalez This play invites you to step into the zany world of love, murder, and footwear where a seemingly simple plan spirals into an hilariously twisted comedy. PRODUCTION DATES: March 20 - 30, 2025 at the Catherine Hickman Theatre, 5501 27th Avenue, Gulfport, FL 33707 PERFORMANCES: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 PM Tickets $20 (plus $1.50 service fee) online at www.gulfportcommunityplayers.org or $25 CASH at the door.
THEATRE: ST. PETE CITY THEATRE CAST LIST PRODUCTION DATES: March 28 - April 6, 2025 at SPCT, 4025 31st Street, Clearwater, FL 33755 spcitytheatre.org PERFORMANCES: Friday & Saturday at 7:30 PM; Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM DIRECTOR: Shaun Rice CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Delores VanCartier Caron Davis Mother Superior Michelle Schmitt Sister Mary Robert Romana Janoskova Sister Mary Patrick Tylar Nitzke Sister Mary Lazarus Kari Ann Stamatopolos Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours Janet Ando Sister Mary Theresa Sandra Huerta Michelle Hailey Hession Tina Taylor Landau Monsignor O’Hara Curtis Fennell Eddie Owen Stewart Curtis Nathaniel Beaver Joey Kirby Wilson TJ Henry Burrows Pablo Xavier Molina Ensemble Armen Kevorkian Ensemble Gillian Isibue Ensemble Ani Hesse Ensemble Hallee Smith Ensemble Kathryn Varn Ensemble Traci Aquara Ensemble Jenny Ostroff Ensemble Reilly Barbour Ensemble Vaughn Wassmer Ensemble Ken Lallave Ensemble Mauricio Monge PLAY/MUSICAL: SISTER ACT - THE MUSICAL By Alan Menken, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Bill & Cheri Steinkellner, and additional material by Douglas Carter Beane
THEATRE: TARPON ARTS PLAY/MUSICAL THE SWEET DELILAH SWIM CLUB A Jones, Hope, Wooten Comedy CAST LIST DIRECTOR: Jamie Bierchen CHARACTER ACTOR CAST Sheree Hollinger Rebecca Fillmore Dinah Grayson Robin Weber Lexie Richards Anne Pedersen Vernadette Simms Jeanene MacLean Jeri Neal McFeeley Susan Dearden The comedy centers around five Southern women whose friendships began years ago on their college swim team. Every year, they meet for a long weekend away from husbands, kids, and jobs. The show focuses on four of those weekends spanning a period of 33 years. As their lives unfold and the years pass, these women increasingly rely on one another, through advice and raucous repartee, to get through the challenges that life flings at them. PRODUCTION DATES: April 5 - 13, 2025 at Tarpon Arts Cultural Center, 101 S. Pinellas Avenue, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 PERFORMANCES: Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm & 7:00 PM Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM Friday, April 11, 2025, at 7:00 PM Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 2:00 PM Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 2:00 PM Get your tickets now! Call our box office at 727-942-5605 or purchase online at tarponarts.org.
SHOW REVIEW PLAY/MUSICAL: THEATRE: MAN OF LA MANCHA FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE Full of anticipation to see Francis Wilson Playhouse’s rendition of this masterpiece, I sat and observed the outstanding set (Matthew Barnes), complete with a giant functioning stairway. The prison cell from Hell! The show opens with this monster of stairs, and our quasihero, descends into the midnight. The character, Miguel de Cervantes/Don Quixote, is stupendously played by Dave Davis. Mr. Davis delivers his character(s) to us with energies that would bely one half his age. He runs the spectrum of doubt, sadness, happiness, unrequited love, forgiving, and to dream the impossible. And speaking of which, his “The Impossible Dream” is the finest Mr. Davis has given us, following his splendid role as that of Sweeney in Sweeney Todd, earlier staged at Francis Wilson. What a voice! You would hope to have the actress to equal such a part, and hope triumphed. Rachael McCann as Aldonza/ Dulcinea is superb. From her intuitive acting ability, to her formidable vocals, she is a joy to watch. Everything you could ever wish for, as she sashays among the muleteers in “It’s All The Same.” Her father would be proud… Playing Sancho Panza is Landon Moore. He has that ability to act the fine line between immature boy and simpleton. He is charming and lovable. You know that he wants only the best for his master, but he realizes that his overlord is slightly off his nut, and Mr. Moore shows us the winning side of Sancho. Diego Rogers as Pedro, generated a wonderful villain. His cracking whip alone made me almost scream from the front row. Natural swagger and roving eyes are but two of his “inborn abilities” and Mr. Rogers shows them in abundance.
Man of La Mancha (cont’d) The part of the The Governor/The Innkeeper, is humorously played by Stu Sanford. Mr. Sanford shows a definite talent for his portrayal(s). From the sarcastic and nastiness of The Governor, to the older, bumbling Innkeeper. His ability to transfigure these roles calls for a masterful actor. They got what we hoped for - versatility - in spades. His “Knight Of The Woeful Countenance” was the most comedic The Barber is rendered by Jeffrey Preil and he does a top-notch job, particularly when he serenades us with “Golden Helmut Of Mambrino”. When Quixote needs a helmet, it is made from the Barber’s shaving basin. Nice comic relief from this song and it’s aptly-performed. Nice job! Newcomer, Kevin Nurnberger, as The Duke, gives us a strident performance. The Duke is all too anxious to try the case of Miguel de Cervantes, knowing it will be nothing more than a Kangaroo Court. We hope to see you again on stage, Kevin! Donned with magnificently-crafted* and wearable horse/donkey heads, dancers Julia Cheeseman and Tyler Rogers gave an excellent adaptation from two equestrian members of the Quest. A musical number by four excellent vocalists - “I’m Only Thinking Of Him” - was performed in four spotlights on each of their faces. It was a gorgeous number by Debbie Cascone (The housekeeper). Chelsea Scourtes (Antonia), Austin Sanniota Edwards (The Padre), and Alex Juliano (Dr. Carrasco). Nicely done! Ensemble members who shared their genius with us were Yvelisse Cedrez Wallace (Maria), Kristie Affolter, Laura Lee Christie, Desirae Rogers, Matt Howard, and Payton Wellington. Thanks to director, Jason Fortner, for a magnificent show! I know that I enjoyed it immensely. *Kudos to Margaret Boylan who is the master artist who created these magnificent heads. She is to be congratulated and honored for her masterpieces!
SHOW REVIEW PLAY/MUSICAL: PRIDE & PREJUDICE What a pleasure that director, Stefanie Lehmann, and SPCT have brought Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to the local stage. Just the sheer talent in this production left me in awe. May I begin with Maria Barbera, wonderfully playing Elizabeth Bennet. Miss Barbera has an impressive stage biography, and I can see why. This is her stage debut at SPCT. She exudes Jane Austen in her skillful character presentation. Sweet, kind, and graceful Elizabeth. But, don’t get her riled up, as in the scene toward the end of Act I, because this timid beauty lets loose! With nary a stumble, Ms. Barbera gives her would be-paramour, Mr. Darcy, a fit-to-be-tied barrage of anger and contempt. Mr. Darcy, splendidly portrayed by Branden Del Rio, held me captive. As a brooding Mr. Darcy, he shows timidity, while simultaneously struggling to keep his passion for Ms. Bennet in check. THEATRE: ST. PETERSBURG CITY THEATRE Maria Barbera as Elizabeth Bennet and Branden Del Rio as Fitzwilliam Darcy in Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice at St. Petersburg City Theatre
Mr. Del Rio gives as good as he gets in his fiery scene with Ms. Barbera. They are unmatched in both their romantic presentation, as well as their argumentative ones. In the end, I am thrilled to see them let down their guard and become one in love. Ms. Bennet’s sister, Jane Bennet, is rendered by Diana Durango. Ms. Durango gives her all to us, presenting her emotions as she searches for a lovable match. Her characterization is free-flowing and natural. Domineering the Bennet Clan is Mrs. Bennet, kinetically presented by Armen Kevorkian. With animated gestures, Ms. Kevorkian flails her arms and hands in fitful bursts of tirades. She shows us how desperate she is to have her brood of daughters married to the first man who enters her aura. She throws herself in her character and succeeds excellently. As her spouse, Mr. Bennet, is Fredrick Lein. Staunch, militaristic, and resolute, Mr. Lein hands us a loyal father, while attempting to rein in his spouse when no one else can. Very nice, Mr. Lein. I have yet to see a more convincing and unique character than that of Mr. Collins, by Nick Wilbur. His ever-moving body, as if he had a physical malady, was delightfully received. His whole demeanor screamed of humor. I looked forward to Mr. Wilbur’s offering with excitement each time he appeared in a scene. Touché! In her return to the stage, Anne Anderson depicts Lady Catherine de Bourgh as a feisty foil to Elizabeth. She is the patroness to Mr. Collins and, thereby, means to have him married. With boisterous aplomb, Ms. Anderson dominates the scenes she is in, and I applaud her for it. As your character, Ms. Anderson - Nailed It! Mrs. Gardiner is beautifully illustrated by Janet Ando. Ms. Ando exudes a genial and civil persona and adds much to the ambience of the period. Mr. Gardiner is brought to life by Rob Smithers and he does a wonderful portrayal. Happy to see you on stage! Playing Charlotte Lucas, Tylar Nitzke is perfect in her role. When seeing herself heading toward spinsterhood, she is relieved when Mr. Collins proposes and she accepts. Pride and Prejudice (cont’d)
Pride and Prejudice (cont’d) Erica Piper does a fine job as Caroline Bingely. She is super- happy to be performing in “a show based on a story that she has loved forever.” Now, we all know that a good show needs to have an Ensemble of actors who have been hard at work in establishing their characters. Let me give them a round of APPLAUSE as follows: Reilly Barbour, Nathaniel Beaver, Stephen Birge, Tom Campbell, Jessie Deggans, Nona Edelson, Erin Gordon, Sara Rose Heller, Jason Hoolihan, Taylor Landau, Bri Middleton, Elle Miente, Thomas Perry, Clemence Sawadogo, Isabel Slattery, Arian Suarez, and Pem Waitkevich. Thank you to each and every one of you for your participation in this special production. Many kudos to the director, Stefanie Lehmann; Gretchen Thompson as stage manager; outstanding costumes by Stacie and Stefanie Lehmann; gorgeous set design by Kari Kennedy; and all of the rest of techs who give their talents to produce an outstanding show, worthy of any accolades you bestow on them.
OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS West Coast Players (pictured left to right) Rosalyn Savel, Stan Gurvitz, Candice Kruse, Michael Juliano, Brian Harvey, and Gloria Moranski
Michael Juliano and Candice Kruse Rosalyn Savel and Candice Kruse
ACROSS THE BOARDS FRANCIS WILSON PLAYHOUSE - MAN OF La MANCHA The show opens in a prison dungeon where actor-soldier-author and, most notably, tax collector, Miguel de Cervantes has just been locked away by the Spanish Inquisition. Accompanying him is his manservant and a large trunk that all of the other prisoners have their eyes on. The prisoners quickly attack in an attempt to get their hands on whatever goods may be hiding in the trunk. The fight is quickly quelled by a sympathetic prisoner referred to as “The Governor.” They decide to facilitate a mock trial, in which, if Cervantes is found guilty, he must relinquish the contents of the case. Another prisoner, who goes by the moniker of “the Duke,” decides to charge Cervantes with being not just an idealist, but also a bad poet. Cervantes pleads guilty but wishes to make a defense. This defense he will deliver in the form of a play. Performances Mar 1 & 2 2025 Directed by Jason franciswilsonplayhouse.org Fortner EIGHT O’CLOCK THEATRE - JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT The biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes alive in the musical retelling. Joseph -- the favorite son of Jacob -- is blessed with vivid dreams that foretell the future. Sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, Joseph endures a series of adventures which challenge him to his core. Soon he finds himself belonging to Potiphar, whose wife makes advances toward Joseph and ultimately lands him behind bars. However, news of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams sparks the interest of the hilariously Elvis-like Pharaoh. Soon, Joseph is out of jail and well on his way to second-in-command. Eventually Joseph’s brothers find themselves unknowingly groveling at the feet of the brother they betrayed. As they fail to even recognize him, Joseph tests their Integrity. He ultimately reveals himself and the brothers are reconciled. A truly timeless Old Testament tale, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is set to a multitude of musical genres, spanning from country-western and calypso to bubble-gum pop and rock and roll. Performances Mar 1 - 9 2025 Directed by Travis eightoclocktheatre.com Moore WEST COAST PLAYERS - OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS Over the River and Through the Woods, a not-to-bemissed comedy by Joe Pietro, opens in two weeks, Friday, March 7th for three weekends at West Coast Players theatre in Clearwater. Two sets of Italian grandparents, who live in New Jersey, entertain their grandson, Nick, who lives in New York City, with “Faith, Family, and Food” every Sunday night. One Thursday, he comes to make an announcement that may change everything. The dialog is fast and very, very funny, with some intense heartfelt poignancy thrown in. Performances March 7 - 23 2025 Directed by Rick Kastel wcplayers.org
ACROSS THE BOARDS! (cont’d) ACROSS THE BOARDS (cont’d) GULFPORT COMMUNITY PLAYERS - IF THE SHOE FITS It all started when Delores, an unhappy housewife, and George, a shoe salesman, met at Shoe Fantasy and it was love at first shoe-fitting. The only thing standing in the way was Delores' doting but half-witted husband, Marvin, who would never agree to a divorce. So there was only one thing left to do - kill Marvin so they can run off together and live a carefree life of passion and romance in a tropical paradise. The lovers come up with a crazy plan to poison Marvin over dinner. Delores invites George to dinner and introduces him to Marvin as a new friend. While Marvin checks on dessert, they slip poison into his wine. But things get out of hand when Marvin doesn't fall for the bait. What was supposed to be a simple foolproof murder turns into a hilarious fiasco when Esperanza, the eccentric Spanish -speaking maid, arrives on the wrong day and she, too, falls for George. Now George and Delores have to devise a way to get rid of the lovesick Esperanza and carry out their plan to kill Marvin—that is without killing each other first! Their attempts get funnier and funnier as the lovers try again and again to finish the job only to have Esperanza and Marvin unknowingly foil their plans each time - resulting in this wacky tale of love, murder, and…shoes! Performances Mar 20 - 30 2025 Directed by Roseanne Olszewski gulfportcommunityplayers.org ST. PETE CITY PLAYERS - SISTER ACT - THE MUSICAL Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) is a singer who wants to make it big. She is having a romance with a guy named Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel), but when he won't leave his wife, she breaks up with him. Afterwards, she witnesses a murder which was ordered by Vince. Deloris runs to the police who say she must stay in hiding for a while. However, this hiding place isn't an old run down house, or a caravan no, it's a convent. Deloris' new identity is Sister Mary Clarence. However, Deloris doesn't just sit around all day in the lifeless, boring convent, no she goes clubbing and makes friends with the nuns. She also turns the dull, lifeless choir into a hip one, which makes the church more popular with young people. However how long will it be before knowledge of this choir and Deloris reaches Vince? Performances Mar 28 - Apr 6 2025 Directed by Shaun Rice spcitytheatre.org
3/6 - 9 EOT Production 8:00 PM Joseph / Dreamcoat 3/10 & 11 WCP Auditions 7:00 PM Dial M For Murder 3/7 - 23 WCP Production 7:30/2:00 PM Over the River and Through the Woods 3/18 SSSCP Auditions 9:30 - Noon Heaven Help Us 3/20 - 30 GCP Production 7:30/2:00 PM If The Shoe Fits 3/31 & 4/1 GCP Auditions 7:00 PM The Legend of Georgia McBride 3/28 - 4/6 SPCT Production 8:00/2:00 PM Sister Act:The Musical
Michelle Stratton, March 10th Mags Kavanaugh, March 10th James Cass, March 13th Mike Bruno, March 13th Alicia Spiegel, March 14th Kristin Bram Tsafatino, March 15th Aaron Holm, March 15th Graham Jones, March 15th Susan O’Gara, March 16th Annie Murren, March 18th Audrey Siegler, March 19th Justice Henry, March 21st David The Day, March 22nd Stuart Best, March 23rd Bruce Brown, March 24th Tom Orr, March 26th Ronnie Farley, March 27th Bruce Taylor, March 27th Ashlie Timberlake, March 28th Hillary Lusignan, March 28th Shianne Haily, March 30th Trent Fraebel, March 31st Dave Wladaver, March 31st Rachel Fennel, March 31st Frank Stinehour, March 31st Jay Morgan, March 31st