Sense and Sensibility, a play adaptation by Kate Hamill based on the 1811 novel by Jane Austen, is a Regency-era tale of family, womanhood and the delicate balance between logic and feeling. Hazel Robinson’s direction brings a dynamic theatrical take to this classic story and breathes new life into Austen’s world. Her vision preserves both the elegance of the society of the time and the emotional undercurrents of the characters, using movement, pacing and character dynamics to highlight the story’s timelessness.

The FSCJ Artist Series presentation of Les Misérables is a visual spectacle the likes of which I have never seen. At times, I sat slack-jawed in disbelief, staring at the living painting before me. The harmonious fluidity of set changes, lighting and actors hitting their marks is like a cyclone — ripping through the stage, tearing things apart, only to magnetically reassemble into something new.

Lumen Repertory Theatre’s production of Agnes of God offers a haunting, emotionally charged evening of theater, balancing psychological tension with profound spiritual inquiry. Under the direction of Joshua Britton Andrews and Brian Niece, this taut three-character drama unfolds with gripping intensity, drawing the audience into its web of doubt, faith and trauma.

Limelight Theatre’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone is a love letter to the Golden Age of musical theater — wrapped in humor, nostalgia and delightful absurdity. The show follows a socially anxious theater lover, simply called Man in Chair, who invites the audience into his world as he plays a record of his favorite (fictional) 1928 musical, The Drowsy Chaperone. As the record spins, the musical comes to life in his living room, complete with over-the-top characters, show-stopping numbers and theatrical mishaps, all filtered through his unreliable but endearing narration.

Few musicals carry the emotional weight and timeless urgency of West Side Story, and Alhambra Theatre & Dining’s latest production delivers a stirring, high-energy interpretation that pulses with life. A groundbreaking fusion of classical, jazz and Latin influences, West Side Story remains a modern classic, reimagining Romeo and Juliet through the lens of 1950s New York gang rivalry.

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.

Mamma Mia!, presented by the The FSCJ Artist Series, is a jubilant celebration that masterfully intertwines the timeless music of ABBA with a heartwarming narrative set against the idyllic backdrop of a Greek island. This production not only captures the essence of the original musical but also infuses it with a unique charm that leaves audiences dancing in their seats and humming long after the final curtain call.

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.