The Scene for December 11, 2015

We’ve finally got a little break in the weather this week.  And that means it’s a great excuse to see some live theatre!
  

If you’ve a hankering for brand new plays, you can either check out Two Weekends and a Day at New Theatre, or Theatre Lab’s New Play Festival.  Musicals?  All over the place.  Comedies?  We got’em.  Dramas?  You bet.  Something for the kids?  Hey, it’s the season, people!

Wanna see The Nutcracker?  Miami City Ballet is staging the George Balanchine’s version at The Broward Center this weekend, and the Arsht Center next weekend.  Meanwhile, Arts Ballet Theatre offers its own original staging at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center this weekend, and Parker Playhouse next weekend.  And if you’re looking for something “nutcracker-ish”, Meg Segreto Dance Center presents In the Nutcracker Mood at Parker Playhouse on Sunday.

 

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

 

New Theatre: Two Weekends and a Day (reviews)

New Theatre opened the world premiere production of Two Weekends and a Day on November 21, 2015.

Penned by local playwright Susan Westfall, this new work is set on one couple's beachside porch and another couple's country deck, over the course of two weekends and a day. This sexy and bittersweet play follows the friendship of four adults who, in the words of Jimmy Buffett, are growing older... and finally growing up through the most devastating moments in their lives... after mid-life crisis. The play was conceived with the help of the Cultural Affairs Departments Playwrighting Development Program alongside the mentorship of Deborah Zoe Laufer in 2014.

Ricky J. Martinez directed a cast that included Susie Kreitman Taylor, Barbara Sloan, R. Kent Wilson, Kim Ostrenko, Evelyn Perez, and Clinton Archambault.

Stage Door Theatre: Gypsy (reviews)

 The Broward Stage Door Theatre opened its production of Gypsy on November 20, 2015.

GYPSY is the ultimate story about an aggressive stage mother. Join Rose, June and Louise in their trip across the United States during the 1920′s, when vaudeville was dying and burlesque was born. Jule Styne’s music and Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics include “Let Me Entertain You”, “Some People, You’ll Never Get Away from Me”, “If Momma Was Married”, “All I Need Is the Girl”, “Everything’s Coming Up Roses”, and “Together Wherever We Go.” GYPSY has been referred to as one of the greatest American musicals.

Dan Kelley directed a cast that featured Ann Marie Olson, Matthew Korinko, Kelly Ziegler, Erica Rose Mendez, Ellie Pattison, Stephanie Genovese and Christina Groom.

The Scene for December 4, 2015

Now that we’ve transitioned into The Holiday Season, things are really cooking across South Florida. 
 

It’s your last chance to see the Slow Burn production of Dogfight, which moved from the Broward Center to the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center.  And speaking of shows you might have missed, Island City Stage has revived its smash hit Daniel’s Husband at the West Boca Theatre Company.

 

Two productions flying by this weekend: Mad Cat’s take on The Point, and the Arts Radio Network version of It’s A Wonderful Life.

 

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

The Scene for November 27, 2015

We hope you're enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with your family; and if you feel like taking in a show after gorging on turkey and all the trimmings, Newsies actually has an 8pm performance at The Broward Center on Thanksgiving day.  Really.

      
No shows opening this week; surprising enough that there is one show performing on this holiday.  But there's plenty to see after a day of Black Friday shopping.

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

Broward Center: Disney’s Newsies (reviews)

The national tour of Disney’s Newsies opened at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts on November 17, 2015.

Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don’t want to miss. Based on true events, NEWSIES tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York. It’s a rousing tale about fighting for what’s right... and staying true to who you are.

Jeff Calhound directed a cast that included Zachary Sayle, Joey Barreiro, Morgan Keene, Stephen Michael Langton, Ethan Steiner, and John Michael Pitera.
  

Island City Stage: Angry Fags (reviews)

Island City Stage opened its production of Angry Fags at The Abyss Theatre on November 12, 2015.

This explosive play, which was recently produced at the Garage at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago, is an uncompromising Oscar Wilde-meets-Fight Club fantasia” about how good ideas go bad, with fascinating forays into American politics, bomb building and pistachios. The play follows Bennet, a speechwriter for Georgia’s only gay congresswoman and his roomate Cooper as their fear and frustration turn to rage after the killing of Bennet’s ex. They come to the conclusion that “acceptance” as second class citizens isn’t enough and they quickly morph into a gay Thelma and Louise wreaking havoc with unintended consequences.

  

Andy Rogow directed a cast that featured Michael Scott Ross, Gretchen Porro, Craig Moody, Merry Jo Cortada, Sharyn Peeples, Jeffrey Leshansky, Kimberly Phillips, and Tracey Cramer.

The Scene for November 20, 2015.

It’s a tremendously busy time of year in South Florida – at least for theatre.  As you can see, there are shows of every description playing in every corner.
 
Some cast members from the national tour of Newsies are performing a cabaret on Monday night to raise money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids. The Newsboys Variety Show plays in the  Abdo New River Room at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.  Tickets available through the Broadway Cares website.

      

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

Slow Burn Theatre Company: Dogfight (reviews)

Slow Burn Theatre Company opened its production of the musical Dogfight at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on November 12, 2015.

Emotional combat comes to life as morals, values, humility and humanity are explored and dissected. The winner of the prestigious 2013 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Musical, this critically acclaimed Off-Broadway show, based on the 1991 cult classic movie, centers on the unlikely, yet poignant romance between a young Marine and a shy, awkward waitress he meets the night before shipping out to Vietnam in 1963.

Patrick Fitzwater directed a cast that included Alexander Zenoz, Hannah Benitez, Mike Westrich, Christian Vandepas, Alexa Baray, Kaitlyn O’Neill, Ben Sadnomir, Brian Varela, Cameron Jordan, Sabrina Lynn Gore and Rick Peña.

Zoetic Stage: Stripped (reviews)

Zoetic Stage opened its world premiere production of Christopher Demos-Brown’s Stripped at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on November 5, 2015.

Christopher Demos-Brown, author of the award-winning plays Fear Up Harsh and Captiva, explores new territory in the battle between a mother's rights and the American legal system. Stripped is the story of Masha, an immigrant, an exotic dancer, and a mother. Devastated when the State takes custody of her daughter, Masha must struggle against all odds to reunite her family. Stripped is a moving, irreverent, portrait of one woman's quest for true freedom.

Stuart Meltzer directed a cast that featured Lindsey Corey, Margot Moreland, Makeba Pace, Chaz Mean, Matt Stabile and Ava-Riley Mills

The Wick Theatre: Hello Dolly! (reviews)

The Wick Theatre opened its production of Hello Dolly! on November 5, 2015.

"And what do you do for a living, Mrs. Levi?" asks Ambrose Kemper in the first scene of this most delightful of musical comedies. "Some people paint, some sew... I meddle," replies Dolly. Hello, Dolly! is full of memorable songs including "Put On Your Sunday Clothes", "Ribbons Down My Back", "Before the Parade Passes By", and "Hello, Dolly!". Come along as we follow the adventures of America's most beloved matchmaker!

Lee Roy Reams directed a cast that included himself as Dolly, Jason Edward Cook, Molly Anne Ross, Chris Brand, Meredith Bartmon, Idalmy Carache, Troy J. Stanley,  Brody Anwalt, Shannon Bates, Alexandra Dow, Danny Durr, Erin Eloise, Amanda Frennier, Joey Lucherini, Ashley Rubin, Megan Sell, Kayley Stevens, David Vogel and Robert Wilday.

Stage Door Theatre: Dial ‘M’ for Murder (reviews)

The Stage Door Theatre opened its production of Dial ‘M’ for Murder on October 30, 2015.

Deception, murder, and passion complicate Frederick Knott’s darkly brilliant tale of jealousy and greed. Motivated by his wife Margot’s large fortune and a previous infidelity, Tony Wendice decides it’s high time to murder her. In need of an alibi, he blackmails an old friend into doing the dirty work for him. His plans, of course, go awry when his friend winds up dead and Margot is arrested for murder. With twists galore, DIAL “M” FOR MURDER  remains one of the most clever and shocking plays of any genre.

Arthur Whitelaw and Derelle Bunn directed a cast that included Jason Plourde, Gladys Ramirez, Roy Lynam, Sean Dorazio, and Larry Kent Bramble.

Arts Garage: Sex with Strangers (reviews)

Theatre at Arts Garage kicked off their new season with their production of Laura Eason’s Sex with Strangers on October 25, 2015.

When someone’s existence can be entirely fabricated online, we ask: who, exactly, is lying in bed next to us? Olivia, a 40-something writer in Chicago, unexpectedly encounters the younger, sex-blogger Ethan, but questions about his past take their relationship through a series of comic and surprising turns.

Genie Croft directed a cast that featured Michael Uribe and Jacqueline Laggy.

The Scene for October 30, 2015

It’s Halloween Weekend here in South Florida.  And if you’re looking for approprieately themed plays, we suggest The Toxic Avenger at Actors’ Playhouse, The Rocking Dead at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts,  Young Frankenstein at The Crest Theatre, and Bloody Broadway: a Spook-tacular Music Revue at Andrews Living Arts Studios.

 

It’s your last chance to check out the GableStage production of Disgraced, if you haven’t seen it, do it now.

    

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

Slow Burn Theatre: Big Fish (reviews)

Slow Burn Theatre Company opened its production of the musical Big Fish at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on October 22, 2015.

Based on the celebrated novel and acclaimed film, Big Fish centers on Edward, a traveling salesman, who lives life to the fullest and then some! His incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife. But their son, Will, who will soon have his own child, is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Big Fish swims deftly between two worlds: the lush, vibrant world of Edward’s fantasies and the subtler world of Will’s reality. Overflowing with heart and humor, Big Fish is an extraordinary new Broadway musical that reminds us why we love going to the theatre – for an experience that’s richer, funnier and BIGGER than life itself.

Patrick Fitzwater directed a cast that included Shane Tanner, Ann Marie Olson, Justen Fox-Hall, Anjane Girwarr, Gabe Sklar, Ben Sandomir, Leah Marie Sessa, Christopher Mitchell, Matthew Korinko, Kendra Williams, Geoffrey Short, Emily Tarallo, Brian Varela, Corey Vega, James Patrick Giordano, Nicole Kinzel, Meaghan Nagy and Joshua Conner..

The Scene for October 23, 2015

If anyone is dressing up as Marty McFly or Doc Brown this Halloween, the Theatre League has been asked to find some actors to help set the tone for the Bakehouse Art Complex fundraiser on November 14; they’ve doing a Back to the Future-themed evening.  So if you’re interested in giving your costume one more spin, contact Andie Arthur at the South Florida Theatre League.

Conundrum Stages presents an evening of music and theatre at the MUSE Center for the Arts this Saturday; their revues always make for a nice evening.

    

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

Actors’ Playhouse: The Toxic Avenger (reviews)

Actors’ Playhouse opened its production of The Toxic Avenger at the Miracle Theater on October 14, 2015.

Based on the classic cult film of the same name, this new rock-pop musical is a charming, exhilarating and hysterical love story that has it all – an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey Mayor, and two guys who play EVERY other character in the play; including bullies, monsters, old ladies and stiletto-wearing back up singers. “Toxie” is an unconventional contemporary love story with an environmental twist that will rock the house and leave audiences laughing out loud.

David Arisco directed a cast that included Julie Kleiner, Clay Cartland, Laura Hodos, Dexter Carr, and Joshua Dobarganes.

Mondays are Dark

This week’s “dark” theatre is the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.  The renovation of the 588 seat theater marks the end of final phase of the updates to the venerable Performing Arts Center, and Slow Burn Theater Company will opening its production of Big Fish there this week.  It’s a new era for the company and for the Broward Center; hope you’ll be there.

 

Here’s your Monday reading list.

Evening Star Productions: 35mm (reviews)

Evening Star Productions opened its production of 35mm: A Musical Exhibition, on October 8, 2015.

A picture is worth 1,000 words — what about a song? Can a picture inspire a song or fifteen? In 35mm, each photo creates a unique song, moments frozen in time; a glimmer of a life unfolding, a glimpse of something happening. A stunning new multimedia musical which explores a groundbreaking new concept in musical theatre…

Rosalie Grant directed a cast that included Jordana Forrest, Sabrina Gore, Steven Michael Kennedy, Elvin Negron and Eric O’Keefe;  accompanied by Jason Robert Buelow on piano, Meredith Levin on violin and Ben Brown on guitar.

Palm Beach Dramaworks: Picnic (reviews)

Palm Beach Dramaworks opened its production of Picnic on October 9, 2015.

A handsome stranger drifts into a small Kansas town and awakens the dormant dreams and repressed desires of a group of lonely women in this Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

William Hayes directed a cast that included Kelly Gibson, Merlin Huff, Patti Gardner, Maren Searle, Elizabeth Dimon, Margery Lowe, Taylor Miller, Michael McKeever, Julie Rowe, Natalia Coego and Riley Anthony

Pigs Do Fly Productions: Flying High! (reviews)

Pigs Do Fly Productions opened its latest collection of short plays, Flying High, at Empire Stage on October 9, 2015

Seven brand new short plays chosen to highlight ‘vibrant, healthy people over the age of 50 doing interesting things with their lives’; the plays are selected with all audiences in mind. Playwrights include E.M. Garcia, Andrea Rassler, Marv Siegel, and Carol White.

Gail S. Garrisan and Elena Maria Garcia directed a repertory cast that included Todd Caster, Steven A. Chambers, Jim Gibbons, Elissa D. Solomon, Carol Sussman and Donna Warfield.

The Scene for October 16, 2015

Yes, the Scene is a little late, because we’re neck deep in presenting some of the fine productions you’ll be seeing on stage in the next few weeks.

 

This week, we’ve got the opening of an adaptation of a schlocky 1980s horror movie and a new original home-grown musical, while the national tour of Once and the critically acclaimed Map of Virtue are closing.

    

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

Mondays are Dark

Another Monday, another reading list.  It’s a little sparse this week, but we think it’s just the calm before the storm; expect more next week, as the theatre season opens in earnest.

Today’s theater is the Stage Door Theatre in Margate.  We don’t have an interior shot, but this former movie house has two stages.  The company, formed in 1993, has also taken on a few satellite venues over the years, but this is their home.

  

Here’s your Monday reading list:

The Wick Theatre: A Funny Thing Happened… (reviews)

The Wick Theatre opened its production of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum on October 1, 2015.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum is a non-stop laugh-fest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan named Philia, for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity, slamming doors, and a showgirl or two.

Bob Walton directed a cast that included Ken Jennings, Michael Ursua, Christopher Brand, Michael Scott, Erika Amato, Whitney Winfield, Jim Ballard, David Setteducati, and Troy Stanley.

The Scene for October 9, 2015

And now the 2015-2016 Theatre Season is running full throttle across South Florida.  National Tours are rolling through, shows are opening and closing, the three oldest community theaters in the region have shows going, and we’ve got choices for the kids this weekend.

And the first company to stage its own production of American Idiot is Showtime Boca.  Who saw that coming?  Not us!

    

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

Broward Center: Once (5 reviews)

The National Tour of the musical Once opened at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on October 6, 2015.

Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.

John Tiffany directed a cast that included Stuart Ward, Dani de Waal, and a bunch of people they won’t list in any fashion we can easily post here.

GableStage: Disgraced (reviews)

GableStage opened its production of Disgraced at the Biltmore Hotel on October 3, 2015.

New York.  Today.  Four friends get together for cocktails and dinner at the apartment of a successful corporate lawyer who has turned his back on the Muslim faith of his parents.  Relationships and beliefs about race and identity are questioned — as the dinner party explodes into professional and personal betrayals.

Joseph Adler directed a cast that featured Armando Acevedo, Angel Dominguez, Betsy Graver, Karen Stephens and Gregg Weiner.

Stage Door Theatre: Promises, Promises (3 reviews)

Broward Stage Door Theatre opened its production of Promises, Promises on September 25, 2015.

Infused with the swinging energy of 1968 Manhattan, PROMISES PROMISES is the musical tale of a lovelorn young executive and a romantically troubled waitress.  Featuring the hits “ A House Is Not a Home”, “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again”, “I Say A Little Prayer For You,”  and many more. Book by Neil Simon and music by Burt Bacharach.

Michael Leeds directed a cast that included Elliot Peterson, Jessica Brooke Sandford, James A. Skiba, Shenise Nunez, Kayley Stevens, Bob Levitt, Ashely Rubin, and Cara McMorrow.  Music Direction by Michael Larsen.

Thinking Cap Theatre: A Map of Virtue (reviews)

Thinking Cap Theatre Company opened its production of A Map of Virtue at The Vanguard on October 1, 2015.

A Map of Virtue is a symmetrical play guided by a bird statue, pivoting around an encounter with and dissection of evil. Part interview, part comedy, part middle-night-middle-forest horror story.

Nicole Stodard directed a cast that included Noah Levine, Niki Fridh, Casey Dressler, Alex Alvarez, Scott Douglass Wilson, and Tom Anello.

Mondays are Dark

Another Monday.  It was a busy weekend, with plays opening and closing across the region, and of course, Broward County’s being hundredth anniversary party attracted throngs of nearly a dozen people.  Which meant there were lots of seats at the Ikea Lounge, and the lines for drinks were nonexistent.

We’re bringing back the featured theater photo: this week’s theater is Palm Beach Dramaworks.  Originally a movie house called the Florida Theater, the space has been home to The Stage Company, The Florida Repertory Company, The Burt Reynolds Institute for Theatre Training, and The Cuillo Center.  The only survivor through all of that is the door to what was the lobby telephone booth, which now serves as a closet.

 

Here’s your Monday reading list:

The Scene for October 2, 2015

OK, there may be a couple of you who have been nursing this fantasy that it’s still summer because it’s still hot and humid.  But it’s October now. Full-blown fall.  Summer is dead, now.  Get over it.

 

But it also means the 2015-16 Theater Season is really here!  And it’s also the 100th anniversary of the founding of Broward County, big celebration all weekend long; see the links below.

We also wanted to point out this WLRN article about MicroTheatre Miami.  We’ve listed this “well-kept secret” for months, we hope you’ve checked it out.  And if not, well, check it out.

    

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

Mondays are Dark

It’s the first Monday of autumn, and the first Monday of the 2015-2016 Theater Season, so there are quite a few stories this week. 

And lets’ be honest; we got a little lazy over the summer, so there are a number of stories that we didn’t get around to posting before.

So it’s time for another installment of Mondays Are Dark, your weekly reading list of news stories of relevance to theatre in South Florida.

Marquee Theater Company: Aida (reviews)

The Marquee Theater Company opened its production of Aida at the West Boca Performing Arts Theater on September 25, 2015.

Based on the opera by Giuseppe Verdi, Elton John and Time Rice's Aida is a timeless story of ill-fated lovers whose “…destiny ignited by an act of war”. Featuring an award-winning pop/rock score from the seasoned duo who brought musical life to Disney’s The Lion King, Aida is an epic tale of love, loyalty and betrayal chronicling the relationship between an Egyptian Captain and a Nubian Princess that transcends warring nations and brings a country together.

Andrew Schultz directed a cast that included Darcy Hernandez, Alexandria Lugo, Bruno Faria, Nathan Mays, Elijah Wood, Robert Geils, and Victoria Anderson, with choreography by Ben Solmor.

The Scene for September 25, 2015

We really thought that the rainy season happened during the summer in South Florida.  But it seems like every drop of rain has waited for Autumn to arrive to take the plunge.
  
Speaking of the change of seasons, the 2015-2016 Theatre Seasons is starting to build up steam, and it’s only going to build.  New plays and new companies are popping up all over this corner of the Sunshine State.  And we like it!
    

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

Alliance Theatre: The Aliens (reviews)

The Alliance Theatre Lab opened its production of The Aliens at Barry University’s Pelican Theater, through October 4.

Two angry young men sit behind a Vermont coffee shop and discuss music and Bukowski. When a lonely high-school student arrives on the scene, they decide to teach him everything they know. A play with music about friendship, art, love and death.

Adalberto J. Acevedo directed a cast that featured Carlos Aleyto, Kristian Bicik, and Daniel Gil.

The Scene for September 18, 2015

The days are getting shorter and darker; no wait, that’s just the storms we’ve been enduring all week.  The days aren’t THAT short and dark, yet. 

 

But with all the rain, it’s a good excuse to sit inside a nice, dry, theater and take in a show.  Yes, it’s a quiet week for theatre this week, but that’s not the same as no theatre.  There’s a fine selection of shows to be seen.

    

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

SMDCAC: Tsunami (reviews)

The University of Miami opened the world premiere of Tsunami at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center on September 12, 2015.

Tsunami is a poignant docudrama that introduces the resilient people behind the front-page horrors of the 2011 Japanese earthquake and tsunami disaster. These transformative stories, presented by a variety of actors from different cultures, portray unforgettable tales of survival, magic, and a heightened reverence for life. Written by Nilo Cruz & Michiko Kitayama Skinner.

Nilo Cruz directed a cast that included Serafin Falcon, Andy Barbosa, Jeremiah Musgrove, Ben Prayz, Jennifer Burke and Maha McCain.

Broward Stage Door: The Fantasticks (reviews)

Broward Stage Door opened its production of The Fantasticks on September 4, 2015.

It is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, two fathers and a wall. The narrator, El Gallo, asks the audience to use their imagination and follow him into a world of moonlight and magic. The boy and the girl fall in love, grow apart, and finally find their way back to each other after realizing the truth in El Gallo's words that "without a hurt, the heart is hollow”. The famous score, which includes the classics “Try To Remember”, “They Were You” and “Soon It's Gonna Rain”, is as timeless as the story itself.

Dan Kelly directed a cast that included Alan Gerstel, Pedro Kaawaloa, Larry Kent Bramble, Michael Small, Molly Anne Ross, Alexander Zenoz, Sebastian Lombardo, and Pierre Tannous.

The Scene for September 11, 2015

Last weekend was Labor Day, this weekend is Rosh Hashanah, but plays are still gracing South Florida stages across the region.

This weekend marks the tenth anniversary of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, and they are celebrating all day Saturday with ArtsLaunch. Click through the link to see the schedule of events.

 
Falling between weekends next week is Double Indemnity, a live radio version of the 1944 film, being staged at Arts Garage next Thursday and Friday.

    

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

Outré Theatre: Bed & Sofa (reviews)

Outré Theatre opened its production of Bed & Sofa at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on August 28, 2015.

One of the most acclaimed productions of its season, this enchanting three-character “silent movie opera” (based on Abram Room’s scandalous 1926 Russian film comedy) premiered at the Vineyard Theatre in New York, where it received two Obie awards and seven Drama Desk nominations, including Best Musical. In Moscow, in 1926, a housing crisis rages. In a cramped apartment, Ludmilla, a put-upon housewife, lives in dreamy complacency with her cheerful despot of a husband, Kolya. When Kolya’s handsome comrade, Volodya, arrives from the country, but can find no lodgings, Kolya offers him their sofa.

Skye Whitcomb directed a cast that featured Noah Levin, Rebeca Dias, and Elvin Negron.  Sabrina Lynn Gore was the assistant director, with musical direction by Caryl Fantel.

Thinking Cap Theater: Waiting for Waiting for Godot (reviews)

Thinking Cap Theatre opened its production of Waiting for Waiting for Godot at the Vanguard on August 28, 2015.

Don't miss the Southeastern Premiere of this hilarious backstage comedy about two understudies waiting to go in a production of Samuel Beckett's modern classic Waiting for Godot.  Written by Dave Hanson, a former joke writer for Late Night with Chelsea Handler, this new work premiered at the New York Fringe Festival in 2013 and swept the festival, winning Best of the Fringe.

Margaret Ledford directed a cast that featured Scott Douglass Wilson, Mark Duncan, and Vanessa Elise.

The Scene for August 21, 2015

School has started in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade County, classes start next week in Broward, and yet the Summer Theatre Season hasn't quite played out.
   

The South Florida Theatre League’s Summerfest Play Reading Series has two more events to go.  This Monday, Mad Cat Theatre reads Jessica Farr's Party Girls at the Sandbox Studio of the Miami Theater Center, and the final reading is The Dana Plays, presented by The Naked Stage at The Vanguard in Fort Lauderdale.

    

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

The Scene for July 31, 2015

It's supposed to be a dark and stormy weekend across south Florida, and that sounds like a good excuse to go see a show in a nice, dry, theater.
   

The South Florida Theatre League’s Summerfest Play Reading Series is moving right along.  Every Monday now through August 31, there is a free reading of an original play written by a local playwright at one of the member theaters.  This Monday, August 3, the Main Street Players present Stung and Wounded by Patricia Wakely Wolf.

    

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

The Scene for July 24, 2015

Theatre may slow down during the sizzling Florida summer, but it certainly doesn’t stop.  From the launch of a national tour, to the extension of a staging of a Sondhiem classic, there’s something playing in every corner of South Florida.
   

The South Florida Theatre League’s Summerfest Play Reading Series is moving right along.  Every Monday now through August 31, there is a free reading of an original play written by a local playwright at one of the member theaters.  This Monday, there’s a bookend:  you have the choice of Wrongful Death by Christopher Demos-Brown at the Maltz Jupiter Theater, or Gina Montel’s The Prey presented by The Mangrove Collective at The Little Haiti Cultural Center.

    

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

The Scene for July 10, 2015

It is simply not possible to deny that it's summer out there now.  The only thing worse than the summer heat is the summer cold we've been fighting, but we think we've roasted that out.
   

The South Florida Theatre League’s Summerfest Play Reading Series is moving right along.  Every Monday now through August 31, there is a free reading of an original play written by a local playwright at one of the member theaters.  This Monday, Thirteen is Murder presented by Mystery on the Menu at Empire Stage.
   

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

The Scene for June 12, 2015

Who says there's nothing good to see in South Florida during the summer?  Not us! 

Scroll down and read some of those glowing reviews - and there are more shows opening this weekend!
   

The South Florida Theatre League’s Summerfest Play Reading Series is moving right along.  Every Monday now through August 31, there is a free reading of an original play written by a local playwright at one of the member theaters.  This Monday, Storycrafter Studio presents Fortuna's Ire at the Luna Star Cafe.
   

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

City Theatre: Summer Shorts 20 (reviews)

City Theatre opened the 20 anniversary edition of Summer Shorts at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts on June 4, 2015.

The annual kick-off of the summer theatre season is back with an all new celebration of 20 years of the best short plays in the country! Summer Shorts: America’s Short Play Festival features the nation’s best new 10 minute plays in one hilarious and thought provoking evening. City Theatre is the national leader in producing innovative original short plays that enlighten, inspire and entertain. Come join the fun, walk our red carpet, vote for your favorite play, and get ready for the unexpected. You never know what you’re going to see.

John Manzelli, Paul Tei, Margaret M. Ledford, Bechir Sylvain, directed a cast that included Karen Stephens, Chastity Hart, Paul Tei, Elizabeth Dimon, Michael Uribe, Bechir Sylvain, and Tom Wahl.

Slow Burn Theatre: Little Shop of Horrors (reviews)

Slow Burn Theatre Company opened Little Shop of Horrors at the West Boca Performing Arts Theater on June 5, 2015.  It is their last production at this venue before moving to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts this fall.

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

Patrick Fitzwater directed a cast that included Michael Westrich, Amy Miller Brennan, Matthew Korinko, Shane Tanner, Christina Alexander, Nicole Dikun, Elisa Dannielle, Rick Peña, and Geoffrey Short.

The Scene for June 5, 2015

It’s hurricane season, and you know what that means:
   

It’s time for the South Florida Theatre League’s Summerfest Play Reading Series.  Every Monday now through August 31, there will be a free reading of an original play written by a local playwright at one of the member theaters.  This Monday, check out A Girl’s Guide to Saving the Universe at The Deering Estate.  And starting on Tuesday, sign up for a Free Night of Theatre.
   

And for the twentieth summer in a row, City Theatre is staging Summer Shorts, South Florida’s original and best short play festival.

   

Here’s what’s playing this week on The Scene:

Island City Stage: Daniel's Husband (8 reviews)

Island City Stage opened its world premiere production of Michael McKeever's Daniel's Husband at Empire Stage on May 28, 2015.  An extension of the production was announced on June 6, 2015.

The season finishes with a flourish with the world premiere of award-winning playwright Michael McKeever’s Daniel’s Husband. The play is about a contemporary gay couple who are challenged with the consequences of not getting officially married. Even in an enlightened society, when fundamental rights are denied, the results can be devastating to all involved. With humor, pathos and great insight, Daniel’s Husband explores the consequences of accepting the limitations defined by society. Ever.

Andy Rogow directed a cast that included Alex Alvarez, Antonio Amadeo, Larry Buzzeo, Kristian Bikic, and Laura Turnbull.