WINTER PARK — The Winter Park Playhouse is just weeks away from launching its new season of musical theater, but this upcoming season will be unlike any other.
For the first time in its history, the Playhouse team will be temporarily leaving its longtime theater location at 711 N. Orange Avenue in Winter Park as the building undergoes major renovations. As that work is being done, the Playhouse will be starting up its new season on Friday, Aug. 8 — but their 5 Mainstage musicals will be performed inside the Mandell Theatre at Orlando Shakes. As the old theater saying notes, the show must go on!
“Exciting renovations are happening at the current Winter Park Playhouse building at 711 N. Orange Avenue!” the Playhouse noted in a recent news release. “As a ticket holder, we are reaching out to you with a few reminders regarding our 2025-2026 Mainstage Series. During this time of transition, we ask for your flexibility and patience as we work to bring you the best theatrical experience possible!”
What Show Opens the Winter Park Playhouse’s New Season?
Broadway legend Jerry Herman helps the Playhouse kick off the new season with their production of the Broadway musical revue Jerry’s Girls, which opens on Friday, Aug. 8 and runs through Aug. 31. Herman, the composer of classic shows such as Hello Dolly, A Night In Ukraine and La Cage Aux Folles, is the focus of this show that features material he wrote specifically for women performers, in what the Playhouse promises will be a “high-powered production.”
The theater’s artistic director Roy Alan will direct this show, which will feature a cast that includes Patrece Bloomfield, Laura Hodos, and Desiree Montes in the leading roles, with support from Tay Anderson, Samm Carroll, Jordan Grant and Lizzie Wild.
Where Can I See Jerry’s Girls?
Jerry’s Girls opens the Winter Park Playhouse’s new season and their first at Orlando Shakes, 812 E. Rollins St. in Loch Haven Park. Performances are on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30, Thursday, Friday and Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. and select Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Ticket prices are $47 for evening shows, $45 for seniors during evening shows, $42 for matinees, $23 for the preview performances on Wednesday, Aug. 6 and Thursday, Aug. 7, and $20 for students (ages 15-25), active military and theatre industry professionals.
The Playhouse’s special student rush “$10@10” program offers $10 tickets (for students 25 years and younger) 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.
Why Did The Winter Park Playhouse Move to Orlando Shakes?
The owner of the Playhouse’s long theater decided to sell the property, but rather than move to a new location, the Playhouse convinced the City of Winter Park to apply for an arts grant to purchase the property and then lease it back to the Playhouse, preserving their ability to perform there. The $8 million grant also enabled the Playhouse to consider making significant renovations to their property, including expanding the size of the theater space. Those changes are projected to be completed by next summer, when the Playhouse team will return to the building in Winter Park that has been their home for more than two decades, as Central Florida’s longest-running musical theater.
The Playhouse is also known for hosting the Annual Florida Festival of New Musicals, traditionally held in June, which showcases six brand new musicals still in development. The Playhouse gives each musical a reading of the first act by a professional cast, with music done under the direction of the Playhouse’s musical director Christopher Leavy.
For the new season, tickets for all performances can be picked up at Orlando Shakes.
“There will be a temporary box office set up for The Playhouse,” the theater company notes. “Please do not go to the old Playhouse address or the main Orlando Shakes Box Office.”
There is plenty of parking in the Orlando Shakes lot, and valet service will be available through Orlando Shakes for most performances. Additional parking will be available at the Advent Health Medical parking garage at the corner of Rollins Street and Alden Road, a short walk to Loch Haven Park, and this garage is open free of charge.
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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