Presented by the FSCJ Artist Series at the Moran Theater in the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, Disney’s Frozen elevates the original film with a more complex narrative, dynamic stagecraft, stunning costumes and powerful performances.

In a limited engagement at the Adele Grage Cultural Center, The Near Disaster of Jasper and Casper mesmerizes 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.

First Date is a hilarious and charming musical that follows the story of Aaron (Mitchell Wohl), a nervous investment banker, and Casey (Mary Elizabeth Schubert), a quick-witted artist, who are set up on a blind date at a bustling New York City cafe. Throughout their evening, their inner anxieties and hopes burst into life with the unexpected interventions of their ex-partners, overbearing relatives and a gaggle of imaginary advisors who appear out of the ether to dish out advice, often comically unsolicited.

In the world of musical theatre, it’s rare to find a production that invites its audience to simply sit back, relax, and enjoy a good laugh and a few drinks while being serenaded by the sounds of the ocean. The Alhambra Theatre & Dining’s latest offering, Escape to Margaritaville, does just that, enveloping its audience in a tropical paradise from the moment they step into the venue.

Escape to Margaritaville is a musical getaway, woven with the iconic tunes of Jimmy Buffett, that transports its audience to a tropical paradise where the party never ends.

Six burst onto the stage Tuesday night at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and instantly captivated Jacksonville’s theater-goers.

Six stands out for its incredibly original storytelling style, a departure from traditional musical theatre. Rather than transporting the audience to a distant realm, the characters—Henry VIII’s six wives—take to the stage right here, right now, in Jacksonville, sharing their life stories through an unforgettable concert.

In the shadowy corners of Limelight Theatre’s Koger-Gamache Studio Theatre, Wait Until Dark draws the audience into a world where darkness is both a literal and metaphorical challenge.

In Frederick Knott’s gripping tale, Susy Hendrix, a blind woman, becomes entangled in a perilous scheme with three con men seeking a doll filled with drugs. As the plot thickens, Susy’s sharp wits become her primary defense in a suspenseful battle of survival.

The Alhambra Theatre & Dining’s latest production of Oklahoma! injects refreshing vibrancy into the beloved classic. Under the bright lights of this intimate venue, the cast and crew reinvigorate the timeless tale with a blend of passionate performances, awe-inspiring musical direction and exhilarating choreography that makes the audience want to jump out of their seats.

Lumen Repertory Theatre’s A Small Fire, directed by Brian Niece, delivers a profound exploration of human resilience and the intricate web of relationships, set against the backdrop of a harrowing existential crisis that threatens the very core of one’s being. The nuanced script and expert performances dissects the relational dynamics that both bind and challenge us, with an emotional depth that resonates profoundly.

Stepping into the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy is like entering a different realm – one where misty fog and beautiful lighting set the stage for an evening of Poe’s timeless tales.

Theatre Jacksonville’s latest offering, Just Desserts: A Musical Bake-Off, whisks audiences away to the kitschy world of a local baking competition, rife with colorful characters vying for the sweet taste of victory.

Director Jason Collins crafts a vivid portrayal of Anne Frank’s life at Theatre Jacksonville, shedding light on the indomitable human spirit during one of history’s darkest periods.

Hey there, theatre enthusiasts! I am absolutely thrilled to announce that I am restarting JaxPlays, and this time it’s here to stay!

As some of you may recall, the site was initially built on MediaWiki, which proved to be quite cumbersome to maintain and edit. But now, JaxPlays has a fresh new look and is running on Jekyll with a wiki theme. What a game-changer! Jekyll is a static site generator, meaning it creates simple HTML files that can be easily edited and updated. Unlike a CMS like MediaWiki, Jekyll doesn’t require a database, which makes it faster, more secure, and significantly easier to maintain.

The site is blazing fast now, and I couldn’t be happier with the switch. However, I still need your help! With over 100 years of theatre productions in Jacksonville, there’s so much history to document. If you have cast lists, playbills, show photos, or anything else that can help preserve the rich theatrical heritage of Northeast Florida, please send it my way!

In a beautifully intimate and vulnerable display that strikes a chord with the creative soul, The 5 & Dime’s rendition of Tick, Tick… Boom! at The Florida Ballet weaves ambition, ingenuity and a hint of despair into a rich tapestry of performance. From Jonathan Larson, the acclaimed composer and playwright best known for his groundbreaking musical Rent, this semi-autobiographical work springs to life with vibrant performances and inspired direction.

Any review of a show at The Alhambra Theatre & Dining must begin with a review of the food, because every dining experience is expertly paired to the production, and Fiddler on the Roof is no exception.

The dining experience at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining’s production of Fiddler on the Roof sets the stage for a delightful evening. The lentil and vegetable soup comforts you with its warmth and richness, while the salad offers a refreshing contrast, being cool, bright, and tangy.

Murder Ballad, staged by ABET - All Beaches Experimental Theatre, delves into the tangled web of a love triangle between Sara, her husband Michael, and her old flame, Tom. Sara’s journey from reckless youth to the security of married life, and then back to the excitement of rekindled romance, leads to the unraveling of personal boundaries and morals. As the story unfolds, Tom’s relentless pursuit of Sara, coupled with her confusion of love and obsession, leads them into a dangerous dance filled with passion, betrayal, and ultimately, murder.

No Exit, an adaptation of Jean-Paul Sartre’s Huis clos, by Lumen Repertory Theatre, is a disconcerting mystery box that traps you in its intrigue. This remarkable performance beckons you to delve into the human mind’s darkest corners as three newly departed souls are abruptly gathered in a solitary room.

This weekend, the St. Marys Little Theatre came alive with the vibrant performance of The Savannah Sipping Society. The play, a heartwarming comedy, revolves around four Southern women who, through unexpected circumstances, form a bond that transcends their individual struggles and differences.

Hey folks,

Ray Hollister here, lead editor and developer of JaxPlays.

I started JaxPlays on January 9, 2020. Perhaps not the best timing. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Needless to say, things did not go as we expected for local, live theatre that year or the next.