Garden Theatre Sets 2015-16 Season: 'LA CAGE,' 'HARDBODY' & More

The Garden Theatre, located at 160 West Plant Street in historic Winter Garden, is pleased to announce the 2015-2016 Theatre Season, running from September 2015 -May 2016. In addition to the five full-length theatrical presentations, the StarLite Film Festival and the Bluegrass Concert Series, the season will be dotted with weekend events such as music and dance concerts, as well as movies and holiday offerings. Subscriptions will go on sale April 1 for current subscribers, April 15 for new subscribers, and May 1 for single tickets at gardentheatre.org or by calling the Garden Theatre Box Office at 407-877-GRDN (4736).

"The season's focus is 'the lengths we'll go for love,'" explains Executive Director, Alauna Friskics. "There are stories of pretending to be something you're not for someone you love, only to find out that being who you really are is what matters to them. It's about believing in love, when no one else does. It's a season of strength, testing the limits of the human condition, loving the real you, and being loved for being the real you. It's a season of second chances, pushing boundaries, and living life to the fullest."

La Cage Aux Folles
Book by Harvey Fierstein, Music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, Based on the play by Jean Poiret
Produced by Garden Theatre
September 25 - October 25, 2015
Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm

Set against the glitter of a Saint-Tropez nightclub, a middle-aged gay couple agree to hide their relationship when their son returns home with his fiancée's ultra-conservative parents. Feathers get ruffled and households upended in a poignant tale of one family's struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves. This is the first show to ever win the Tony Award for Best Musical three times. With a hit film adaptation, The Birdcage, with Nathan Lane and Robin Williams, La Cage Aux Folles has become a classic musical comedy.
Tickets: $25 - $33

Miracle on 34th Street
A Play from a Novel by Valentine Davies, Based on the 20th Century Fox Motion Picture Miracle on 34th Street, Adapted by Mountain Community Theater
Produced by Garden Theatre
December 4 - 20, 2015
Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm, Sundays at 2pm

Six year old Susan has doubts about childhood's most enduring miracle Santa Claus. Her mother told her the "secret" about Santa a long time ago, so Susan doesn't expect to receive the most important gifts on her Christmas list. But after meeting a special department store Santa who's convinced he's the real thing, Susan is given the most precious gift of all - something to believe in.
Tickets: $15 - $33

Hands on a Hardbody
Book by Doug Wright, Lyrics by Amanda Green, Music by Trey Anastasio and Amanda Green
Produced by TheatreWorks Florida
January 29 - February 21, 2016
Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm

A new musical made in America. For ten hard-luck Texans, a new lease on life is so close they can touch it. Under a scorching sun for days on end, armed with nothing but hope, humor and ambition, they'll fight to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it. Inspired by true events, and infused with a "fresh roots-rock vibe," this is the hilarious, hard-fought contest where only one winner can drive away with the American dream. 10 contestants. 4 days. 1 truck. This regional premiere was nominated for numerous awards, including Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Broadway Musical and Outstanding New Score, a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical, Outstanding Music, Outstanding Lyrics and Outstanding Book of a Musical, and three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score.
Tickets: $25 - $33

StarLite Film Festival
February 25 - 28, 2016

The StarLite Film Festival is making a splash in the film world, taking a closer look at films with smaller budgets. This festival screens films made for $200,000 USD and under, and hosts filmmakers from around the world. In 2015, the festival expended to include student short films, which must not exceed a budget of $10,000 USD, providing exposure for up-and-coming filmmakers. The festival has welcomed guests from all across the US, Ecuador, Mexico, Germany and even Tajikistan. The StarLite Film Festival is returning in 2016 with fresh micro-budget films, cutting-edge workshops, and a chance to meet and greet with filmmakers. Visit starlitefilmfest.com.
Tickets: $5+

Garden Encore!
Annual Fundraising Gala
March 5, 2016

Garden Encore! marks the Garden Theatre's largest fundraising event of the season, highlighting its impact as a cultural gem for residents and visitors to West Orange County. Celebrate the Garden Theatre with first class, nationally recognized entertainment, exquisite food, and a chance to mingle with key leaders of the Central Florida area.

The Whale
By Samuel D. Hunter
Produced by Beth Marshall Presents
March 18 - April 3, 2016
Thursdays - Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm

On the outskirts of Mormon Country, Idaho, a six hundred pound recluse hides away in his apartment eating himself to death. Desperate to reconnect with his long-estranged daughter, he reaches out to her, only to find a viciously sharp-tongued and wildly unhappy teen. Big-hearted and fiercely funny, The Whale tells the story of a man's last chance at redemption, and of finding beauty in the most unexpected places. This Central Florida regional premiere play was nominated for an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play. It won a Lucille Lortel Award for Best Play and won a Drama Desk Special Award for Significant Contribution to Theatre.
Tickets: $21 - $28

Singin' in the Rain
Screenplay by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Songs by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed
Produced by Garden Theatre
April 29 - May 29, 2016
Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm, Sundays at 2pm

Using digital animation as seen in 2014 - 2015's Peter Pan, this play has all the makings of a Tinseltown tabloid headline - the starlet, the leading man and a love affair that could change lives and make or break careers. In silent movies, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a hot item, but behind the scenes things aren't always as they appear on the big screen. Meanwhile, Lina's squeaky voice might be the end of her career in "talking pictures" without the help of a talented young actress to do the talking and singing for her. A downpour of unforgettable songs and dancing make this classic a favorite!
Tickets: $15 - $33

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