Spotlight: Central Florida’s flair for the dramatic

Despite the dwindling time left in the summer, Central Florida’s performing arts departments refuse to dawdle.

For the remainder of the season, local theaters are committed to providing quality productions for their audiences. Don’t miss these astounding performances, coming to stages near you!

1. Orlando Family Stage
Theater often has a profound impact on young people. That’s why the arts are used to help kids learn and grow — even as actors. Plus, it’s the perfect activity for families with an appreciation for fun and imaginative stories.

Orlando Family Stage, previously known as the Repertory Theatre, has delighted folks of all ages since its founding in 1926. The shows are all directed for younger audiences and have amazed viewers for decades. Youth classes and volunteering have allowed the whole community to become involved in the theater’s success.

This summer, Orlando Family Stage has many programs available for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Puppet Play Day: Peter Rabbit is an engaging experience for kids ages 2-5 and their parents. Children are able to craft and play with the support of experienced teachers on select dates throughout August and late July. 

Young performers have dedicated their summer to Orlando Family Stage, as well. Youth Academy’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” will run for two weekends, starting Friday, July 18 and ending Sunday, July 27. Based on Jeff Kinney’s popular book series, this performance is sure to be a hit among kids and families.

2. Breakthrough Theatre Company
Breakthrough Theatre Company has resolved to give audiences a one-of-a-kind experience. A family-run theater in Winter Park, Breakthrough Theater recently completed runs of “Queens,” written by Kristin Doherty, and “Little Women,” based on Luisa May Alcott’s famous novel. The theater is celebrating its 16th anniversary this summer.

Continuing with their impressive catalogue of summer shows, Breakthrough is performing “Mean Girls” by Tina Fey with actors in sixth through 12th grades. The show, which opened on Friday, July 11, will continue Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20. This heartfelt musical still proves its popularity since the original film in 2004.

3. Theater on the Edge
Theater On The Edge aims to give audiences an up-close-and-personal look at the performing arts. The venue has only 30 seats, specifically designed to combine the best of theater and the movies.

Theater On The Edge recently opened “The Sunset Limited” by Cormac McCarthy Saturday, July 5. The production will continue until July 27, so there is still time to grab seats. 

4. Orlando Shakes
Orlando Shakes has never failed to disappoint audiences with its meaningful and exciting productions. For the rest of the summer, the theater will perform “Anna in the Tropics” as well as “Music of the Bahamas.”

“Music of the Bahamas” is a rich and inviting story of folk music from times of slavery leading up to the 20th century. It will run Saturday to Sunday, Aug. 2 and 3. “Anna in the Tropics” will run later in the season, starting Wednesday, Aug. 27 to Sunday, Sept. 21. “Anna in the Tropics,” written by Nilo Cruz, is an inspiring work that follows Cuban factory workers in 1920s Florida.

5. Theatre South Playhouse
Theatre South Playhouse, located in the Dr. Phillips Marketplace, has enchanted audiences for more than a decade. Continuing with the earlier success of “Ride The Cyclone,” Theatre South has decided to perform this chilling piece every Friday, Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer. The show is scheduled to end its run Sunday, Aug. 31.

The theater does not stop there, however. “Stranger Sings!” a thrilling musical parody of “Stranger Things”, opens Friday, Sept. 19. While getting back into the groove of school and work schedules, attending “Stranger Sings!” is the perfect way to unwind. The show will run throughout the early fall, ending its three weeks of performances Sunday, Oct. 5.

6. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Perhaps one of the most renowned theaters in Central Florida, the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts has housed countless productions, including musicals, concerts and Broadway tours. Since its opening in 2014, it has helped people throughout the state experience live theater in an unforgettable setting.

This fall, the Dr. Phillips Center is hosting the Broadway tour of “The Wiz”, an exciting take on “The Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum. The musical began as a movie in 1974 that featured Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. It grew in popularity and quickly became a theatrical sensation, inspiring creative productions and recent revivals.

“The Wiz” comes to the Dr. Phillips Center Tuesday, Sept. 30 and completes its run Sunday, Oct. 5.

With so many great performances, it’s the perfect opportunity to see what the area has to offer.