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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Players by the Sea’s latest production of Tarzan plunges its audience into a lush, vibrant jungle, transforming both the lobby and the theater into a fully immersive experience that blurs the lines between stage and seating. As the house lights dim, the audience is immediately drawn into the world of Tarzan through a poignant and creatively rendered shadow-play that recounts the character’s beginnings, setting a profound emotional tone from the outset.

Lumen Repertory Theatre’s innovative double-feature production, Slow Burn, brings together Edward Albee’s absurdist works The American Dream and The Zoo Story. This unusual combination provides a vivid juxtaposition of two distinct narratives: one a satirical critique of American family life, the other a penetrating look at social alienation in a modern urban setting. The production’s clever interpretations and well-executed dramatic performance effectively invites a captivated audience into Albee’s complex psychological landscapes, evoking the overall meaninglessness and loneliness inherent in modern life throughout both one-act plays.

Legally Blonde has arrived at Amelia Musical Playhouse, bringing with it a flurry of pink, passion and empowerment. This exuberant musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods, a seemingly naive sorority girl from Malibu, chasing after her ex-boyfriend to Harvard in an attempt to win him back, only to find herself mastering the law and redefining her life’s purpose. What starts as a quest for love transforms into a journey of self-discovery.