Theatre Jacksonville’s production of The Women of Lockerbie, directed by Jeff Grove, delivers a poignant and deeply human exploration of grief and resilience that intertwines personal loss and collective mourning against a visually stunning backdrop. With a carefully curated cast and a set that feels as alive as the characters themselves, this production creates an immersive, emotionally resonant experience.

The Alhambra Theatre & Dining production of Southern Fried Funeral is a deliciously funny and heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, Southern charm and small-town life. Packed with memorable characters, sharp dialogue and a healthy serving of humor, this show offers audiences a heaping plate of laughter, love and a touch of chaos.

The FSCJ Artist Series presented the non-Equity tour of Dear Evan Hansen for a one-night-only performance on Sunday, November 3, 2024. This production, a staple of modern musical theater, is brought to life by a talented cast led by Michael Fabisch as Evan Hansen. The performance captures the emotional core of the story — an exploration of isolation, truth and belonging that resonates deeply with today’s audiences.

Lizzie at The 5 & Dime takes audiences into the dark, feverish world of one of history’s most notorious true-crime stories: the sensational, bloody saga of Lizzie Borden. This rock musical delves into Lizzie’s tumultuous life, weaving together themes of oppression, desire and, ultimately, explosive female rage. With a modern, hard-hitting rock score, Lizzie reimagines the story, capturing the inner turmoil and fury of a young woman pushed to the brink.

When Jed Clampett unexpectedly strikes oil on his land in the Ozarks, he and his family — Granny, Elly May, and Jethro — find themselves millionaires and head to Beverly Hills to start a new life. The Clampetts’ simple, rural lifestyle collides hilariously with the world of 1960s high society, creating a series of comedic misadventures as they navigate wealth, snobbish neighbors and cultural clashes.

Bold City Opera’s production of Bluebeard's Castle is a feat of minimalism that feels grand in its design and powerful in its performance. With innovative staging in an octagonal church — uncannily echoing the shape of Bluebeard’s castle itself — the production brings an air of eeriness that enriched the audience’s sense of entrapment and mystery. Directed with attention to both intimate detail and operatic scale, the show unfolds in a space that melds seamlessly with the story’s Gothic tone.

At its core, Jekyll & Hyde is a study in the duality of human nature — how good and evil coexist within us, and the perilous line that separates them. Set in Victorian London, the story follows Dr. Henry Jekyll, a brilliant scientist obsessed with separating the moral from the immoral in mankind. When his experiments turn inward, he unleashes Edward Hyde, a malevolent force born from his own repressed desires. As Hyde’s brutal violence spirals out of control, Jekyll battles to reclaim his sanity, while those closest to him are caught in the crossfire of his self-destruction.

Lumen Repertory Theatre’s production of Tori Sampson’s brilliant and thought-provoking play, Cadillac Crew, brings a powerful blend of history, activism and personal struggle to the stage. Cadillac Crew explores the lesser-told stories of Black women on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement, compelling the audience to reflect on both the past and its enduring relevance today.

The Wedding Singer at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining brings the electric energy of the ’80s to life in a bold, colorful and heartfelt production. Directed by Shain Stroff, this reinterpretation of the beloved 1998 Adam Sandler movie captures both the nostalgic charm of the original and injects fresh, creative twists that make it a joy for both new audiences and longtime fans.

Stephen Sachs’s Bakersfield Mist, currently staged at A Classic Theatre, is a masterful blend of humor and existential contemplation. While it presents itself as a light comedy, the play cleverly forces audiences to question not only what constitutes art but also what defines authenticity — whether of an object, a person or a belief. Through this small but impactful two-hander, Sachs peels back layers of prejudice and societal expectations, using witty dialogue and dynamic conflict to leave us wondering what truly holds value.

Limelight Theatre’s production of Bright Star brings Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s bluegrass musical to life with a rustic charm and emotional depth that make the show soar. Under the direction of a thoughtful creative team, the production delivers powerful performances, innovative staging and a narrative that draws audiences into its world.

In a one-night benefit performance at the Adele Grage Cultural Center, Bing!, formerly known as The Near Disaster of Jasper and Casper will mesmerize audiences with its unique blend of fairy-tale whimsy and sharp modern humor. This solo show, masterfully written and performed by Jason Woods, is a brilliant display of theatrical craftsmanship.

Driving Miss Daisy at Theatre Jacksonville is an incredibly touching and beautiful production, effortlessly blending humor with poignancy. Set in Atlanta from the late 1940s to the early 1970s, it artfully and vividly chronicles the evolving relationship between Daisy Werthan, a headstrong Southern Jewish widow and Hoke Colburn, her patient and dignified chauffeur. As they navigate societal changes and personal growth, their deepening bond reveals layers of mutual respect and affection. Alfred Uhry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play shines here, offering a heartfelt and profoundly moving exploration of prejudice and the transformative power of friendship.

Lauren Gunderson’s The Revolutionists unfolds at Players by the Sea as a vibrant, audacious exploration of sisterhood, revolution and the power of storytelling. Set during the upheaval of the French Revolution, this play brings together four dynamic characters: playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, the infamous Marie Antoinette and Marianne Angelle. Marianne is a fictional embodiment of the free Black women who were vital to the revolutionary movements in Saint-Domingue, modern-day Haiti. Though their paths never crossed in reality, Gunderson brings them together in this bold, meta-theatrical drama, filled with modern language and self-referential wit. The production delves into themes of female empowerment and artistic expression, offering a fresh lens through which to view history.

Theatre Jacksonville’s Mame In Concert, performed at the historic Florida Theatre, offers a concert performance of the beloved 1966 musical, trading elaborate staging for a focus on music and narration. The story centers on the life of Mame Dennis, a free-spirited and glamorous woman who suddenly becomes the guardian of her young nephew, Patrick, following the death of her brother. As Mame navigates the highs and lows of life with her characteristic flair, she introduces Patrick to a world of adventure, love and joy, all while contending with societal expectations and personal challenges. The concert version of Mame distills the essence of the story into its musical and narrative core, capturing the heart of the tale through powerful performances and a breathtaking orchestra.

Gypsy, the latest production at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, offers a compelling portrayal of ambition, sacrifice and the complex bond between a mother and her daughters. Set in the waning days of vaudeville and based on the true story of famed burlesque entertainer Gypsy Rose Lee, the musical tells the story of her mother Rose Thompson Hovick, a fiercely determined stage mother whose relentless drive for stardom propels her children, and herself, into the world of show business. The narrative unfolds with Rose’s unwavering focus on making her youngest daughter, June, a star, even as it becomes increasingly clear that her dreams may be more about herself than her children.

The Mousetrap, performed at the Amelia Community Theatre, plunges its audience into a suspenseful game of cat and mouse, where every character is a suspect and every word could be a clue. Agatha Christie’s legendary play, known for its intricate plot and surprising twists, opens in the remote Monkswell Manor, where a group of strangers is snowed in during a fierce winter storm. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that one of them is not who they appear to be. Tensions rise as Detective Sergeant Trotter arrives with alarming news: a murderer is in their midst, and they must work together to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

In the eerie, backwoods town of Hope Falls, West Virginia, an unsettling discovery is made — a boy with bat-like features and feral instincts — is found in a desolate cave. ABET - All Beaches Experimental Theatre’s production of Bat Boy: The Musical confronts the tensions between humanity and monstrosity in a darkly comedic satire that examines the terrifying power of fear and ignorance.

At Limelight Theatre, 9 to 5: The Musical offers a toe-tapping, delightful romp through the highs and lows of office life in the late ’70s. This spirited adaptation of the 1980s hit film, with music and lyrics by the iconic Dolly Parton, follows three office workers as they enact a wild plan to kidnap their “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” of a boss and run the company themselves, leading to unexpected hilarity and heart.

In a grim future where water is worth its weight in gold, The 5 & Dime’s production of Urinetown throws you into a world where paying to pee is the norm, and defiance comes with steep consequences. This Tony Award-winning musical is a satirical take on corporate greed, environmental issues and social justice, blending humor and biting commentary in a dystopian setting that is as thought-provoking as it is absolutely ridiculous.