ORLANDO — The wistful song “I Won’t Send Roses,” from the musical Mack And Mabel, is supposed to be sung by a man who is cynical and emotionally detached, cautioning a woman not to expect any romantic gestures from him. But in the hands of Patrece Bloomfield, the song takes on an entirely new vibe. There’s now a raw feeling of sadness to the song that replaces the original’s cynicism, and Bloomfield, whose singing voice is just paradise, doesn’t sing the part so much as act it out, as a lament for a relationship that’s now long gone.
Bloomfield’s rendition of “I Won’t Send Roses” is one of the highlights of Jerry’s Girls, the musical revenue that opened on Friday, launching the 2025-2026 Mainstage season for The Winter Park Playhouse. No sooner are the haunting emotions of “I Won’t Send Roses” over, when Bloomfield and her cast mate Desiree Montes demonstrate expert comedic timing in their rendition of “Bosom Buddies,” the hilarious ode to backstabbing from the musical Mame. Again, this show may be a musical revue, but the acting skills of the performers elevate this one considerably to something more.
Jerry’s Girls is being performed now through Aug. 31, and it marks a significant change for the Playhouse: their first season at the Orlando Shakes. Why the change?
What’s New At The Winter Park Playhouse?
The Playhouse will produce 5 shows this season at Orlando Shakes inside their Mandell Theatre. The Playhouse was able to secure $8 million in grant money so the city of Winter Park could purchase their longtime theater space at 711 N. Orange Ave. in Winter Park and lease it back to them. The Playhouse is using part of that grant money to fully refurbish its Winter Park home, expanding the theater and lobby space, then returning next summer.
This season, the show will go on at Orlando Shakes, and judging from their production on Saturday, the transition was a mighty smooth one. Located in Loch Haven Park, Orlando Shakes has ample parking available, and the Playhouse has set up a ticket booth right outside the Mandell, which provides good space for their shows that rely on lots of energetic choreography. The Shakes also has a bar with drinks and snakes and plenty of seating in the lobby for those who arrive early.
“This is an extraordinarily exciting time as we prepare to undergo a significant renovation of our beloved theater home in Winter Park and improve it for your comfort and enjoyment,” the Playhouse notes in its playbill. “While we are under construction, we will perform our professional musicals, cabarets and special events right here in the Mandell Theatre at Orlando Shakes.”
What is the musical Jerry’s Girls?
As you may have guessed, Jerry’s Girls is a salute to musical legend Jerry Herman, known for some of the most iconic hits ever to grace the Broadway stage. A richly talented cast of 7 women — including Laura Hodos, Tay Anderson, Samm Carroll, Jordan Grant and Lizzie Wild — perform Herman’s classics with gusto; it’s no surprise that the first and second acts conclude with those rousing showstoppers “Hello, Dolly!” and “The Best of Times,” ideal for getting you tapping your foot and clapping along.
In addition to the talented singers, two other members of the crew deserve special recognition. One is Daisy McCarthy Tucker, who designed an exquisite and stunning collection of costumes that fit the mood and look of each new song — an impressive 71 costumes altogether! When you’re not enjoying those ultra-catchy Jerry Herman songs such as “We Need A Little Christmas” and “Just Go To The Movies,” you’re likely to be marveling at Tucker’s elegant and graceful costumes, even getting excited while anticipating what the next ones will be. It’s one of the most sublime aspects of the show.
Kudos as well to the Playhouse’s artistic director Roy Alan, who not only directed the show but provided the actresses with some eye-popping dance moves. The show’s set features four wide open doorways, enabling the women to make some grand entrances, but the production virtually never takes a moment to slow down: the women move gracefully across that stage in dance numbers that were entirely conceived by Bob Fosse – err, Roy Alan! That choreography adds immensely to the show’s appeal.
And that cast! Bloomfield and Montes so fully embody the character of every tune they perform that each song becomes a fascinating story in itself. Hodos, such a fabulous comedic actresses, has one of the show’s funniest moments in “Nelson,” while Bloomfield has a real showstopper in “I Am What I Am,” the rousing number from the La Cage Aux Folles musical that she performs to perfection.
This production is more than simply a musical tribute to a great composer; it’s a treasure chest filled with gems when it comes to the performances, costumes and sizzling dance moves.
Where Can I See Jerry’s Girls?
Jerry’s Girls is being performed by The Winter Park Playhouse at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 E. Rollins St., in the Mandell Theatre. The Winter Park Playhouse’s longtime theater at 711 N. Orange Ave. in Winter Park is closed this season for renovations, and the 5 new 2025-2026 Mainstage shows will be performed at Orlando Shakes.
The show runs for two hours, with a 15 minute intermission.
Ticket prices are $47 for evening shows, $45 for seniors during evening shows, $42 for matinees, and $20 for students ages 15-25 years, active military and theatrical industry professionals. Student rush “$10@10” offers $10 tickets (for students 25 years and younger) are sold 10 minutes prior to a performance when seats are available.
To purchase tickets or for more information call the box office at 407-645-0145 or visit online at www.winterparkplayhouse.org.
Michael Freeman is an Orlando journalist, playwright and author of the terrifying book “Bloody Rabbit”. Contact him at Freelineorlando@gmail.com.
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