Winter Park Playhouse has taken an innovative approach to its 2021-22 season, mixing three previously announced productions disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic with three new titles.
The lineup at the area’s only professional theater devoted exclusively to musicals is full of big names: Gershwin, Sinatra, Ethel Merman. And in one new show making its Southeastern U.S. premiere, the Playhouse will introduce — or reintroduce — audiences to the music of Harlem Renaissance composer J.C. Johnson, whose songs were recorded by Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington.
The Playhouse doesn’t wait until the fall to get the season rolling, either, with the first production opening in July. Current subscribers will be able to add the new titles to their package beginning May 14. New subscribers and tickets to individual shows will go on sale June 15. Ticket prices range from $22-$46, with $20 student tickets also available.
Here’s a chronological look at the season.
Crazy For Gershwin: July 30-Aug 22. The artistic output of America’s Gershwin brothers are highlighted in this revue conceived by Playhouse artistic director Roy Alan, musical director Christopher Leavy and Todd Allen Long. Leavy also arranged the music for this high-energy song and dance showcase.
The Book of Merman: Sept. 24-Oct. 17. In this musical comedy, writers Leo Schwartz and DC Cathro imagine what would have transpired had two young Mormon missionaries knocked on theater diva Ethel Merman’s door. The off-Broadway hit, with a message about staying true to yourself, makes its regional premiere.
Christmas My Way: A Sinatra Holiday Bash: Nov. 12-21 and Dec. 1-18. Conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson, “Christmas My Way” rings in the holidays with classic Frank Sinatra songs and seasonal favorites performed the Rat Pack way.
Trav’lin: A 1930s Harlem Musical Romance: Jan. 21-Feb. 19, 2022. Johnson’s music propels this look at love during this time of big band, jazz and swing. The story, by Gary Holmes and Allan Shapiro, follows three couples at different stages of life who navigate the games of romance to embrace true love.
The Marvelous Wonderettes: Dream On: March 18-April 16, 2022. Roger Bean’s franchise returns as four female friends attend their 20th high-school reunion and reminisce. The music includes more than 20 hits of the 1960s and 1970s such as “When Will I Be Loved,” “I Can See Clearly Now” and “Love Will Keep Us Together.”
Pump Boys and Dinettes: May 13-June 12, 2022. A Playhouse favorite, this country-fried musical was last staged by the Winter Park theater in 2010. In a simpler time, some musical gas-station attendants sell their fuel and flirt with the waitresses running the nearby diner. The Broadway production was nominated for a best-musical Tony in 1982.
For more information, go to winterparkplayhouse.org or call 407-645-0145.
New-musical festival
Reminder: Tickets for June’s Festival of New Musicals at Winter Park Playhouse are now on sale. The festival showcases new works and gives audiences the opportunity to provide feedback on their development. Tickets are $10 per performance or buy a $50 pass to all six shows, June 24-27. An online option is also available. Go to winterparkplayhouse.org.
