Ann Gardner

Review: 4 LOST SANTAS + AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS at Opera Orlando
by Joseph Harrison - Dec 8, 2024

When it comes to the holidays in the opera world there are few standards as beloved as Gian Carlo Menotti’s AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS. The first opera written expressly for television and first broadcast on NBC on Christmas Eve 1951, the piece has been produced countless times over the last 73 years. But Orlando audiences were treated to a new first December 6 - 8 from Opera Orlando at the Dr. Phillips Center – a new comic opera, 4 LOST SANTAS, designed to be offered alongside AMAHL and create a double bill that hits all the high points one looks for in holiday entertainment – fun and frivolity as well as reverence and beauty.  

First Standings Announced For The 2024 BWW Orlando Awards
by BWW Awards - Dec 2, 2024

Check out the first stats for the 2024 BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards! Voting ends on 12/31 at midnight. Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

The Studio Theatre Announces Season 9
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 20, 2024

Significant Productions has announced their 9th season at The Studio, entitled 'Longing to Belong.' Learn more about the lineup here!

Review: 42ND STREET at Osceola Arts
by Joseph Harrison - Mar 18, 2024

There are some standard musical theatre moments that never fail to take my breath away. From the powerful 11th hour “I want” song to a perfectly in sync kick line, certain musical mainstays will simply never get old for me. And one of the best examples of musical nirvana, I believe, is a well-choreographed and expertly executed tap number. Nothing thrills like seeing a group of performers executing the complex and rhythmically entrancing dances that are extremely difficult to master but seem effortless due to the skill and talent of those on stage. So, I was thrilled to have the chance to take in Osceola Arts’ latest production of the classic musical 42ND STREET and I am here to tell you, it did not disappoint. This fantastic production includes some of the finest choreography (and dancing) I have seen on stage here in Central Florida in my four years here and is a fabulous foray into a bygone era of classic movie musicals that provides non-stop entertainment and musical theatre magic in every moment.

Review: A Dynamic and Galvanizing CABARET at the Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol in the Villages
by Peter Nason - Feb 3, 2024

Terrifically terrifying and timely!

Without Fear Theatre Debuts Original Rock Opera FIND ME
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 31, 2024

Without Fear Theatre will debut a new, original rock opera titled, FIND ME.

Review: THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME at Osceola Arts
by Joseph Harrison - Oct 14, 2023

“What makes a monster and what makes a man?” These lyrics illustrate so well the essence of THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, the soaring gothic musical based on the classic Victor Hugo novel and featuring music from the Disney film of the same name. This question sets the stage for an epic tale that is currently being vividly brought to life on the Osceola Arts stage. This production is beautifully imagined, magnificently sung and emotionally resonant – and serves as the perfect opener to Osceola Arts’ 63rd season.

Review: THE OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA SHOW at Renaissance Theatre Company
by Joseph Harrison - Dec 12, 2022

The holidays are all about tradition. Hanging a familiar ornament on the tree, baking a special dish that is only made during this time of year, watching a favorite holiday movie or TV special in order to get into a festive mood, or yes, even the annual office holiday party. But in the world of musical theatre, there aren’t a lot of productions that fit this category. But the Renaissance Theatre Company in Orlando has decided to fill this void by offering once again this year its hit immersive musical experience, THE OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA SHOW – something I certainly had on my Christmas list after experiencing it last year – and like its 2021 premiere, it offers an innovative, unique, grown up, interactive and hilarious evening that is sure to put a smile on your face and put you in a holiday mood.

Photos: First Look at THE SPIDER QUEEN, Opening Tonight as Part of New York Theater Festival's WinterFest
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2022

The award winning production of The Spider Queen, based on the behind the scenes tale of the greatest flop in Broadway history, opens in New York tonight as part of the New York Theater Festival’s WinterFest.

The Studio Theatre Will Present IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY by Sara Ruhl
by BWW Special Offer - Sep 27, 2022

Special Offer: In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play by Sara Ruhl- The Studio Theatre, The Villages, FL

Cast Announced For IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY at The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol
by Stephi Wild - Sep 13, 2022

This month, The Studio Theatre™ Tierra del Sol (806 San Marino Drive, The Villages, FL) opens a REGIONAL PREMIER and the first production of its seventh season, In the Next Room, or the vibrator play by Sarah Ruhl.  

Legacy Theatre Presents WINDYWOO AND HER NAUGHTY NAUGHTY PETS The Musical (In Concert)
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 6, 2022

Legacy Theatre, Keely Baisden Knudsen, Artistic Director and Co-Founder, and Julianne Alberty, Managing Director, presents Windywoo and Her Naughty Naughty Pets, The Musical, In Concert! by Wendy Ann Gardner.

Tennessee Williams' Classic A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE Reimagined At Timucua
by A.A. Cristi - May 16, 2022

Director Jeremy Seghers celebrates the 75th anniversary of Tennessee Williams' seminal drama A Streetcar Named Desire with an immersive reimagining at the Timucua Arts Foundation.

Billie Jane Aubertin Returns To Orlando Fringe With the World Premiere of STAG NIGHT
by Stephi Wild - May 10, 2022

From the playwright who brought you last year's Critic's Choice Award winning JUDAS (Best Original Script), comes what is sure to be the MOST DRAMATIC show in Orlando Fringe history.

Photos: OKLAHOMA! Opens Tonight At ME Performing Arts
by Stephi Wild - Apr 15, 2022

ME Performing Arts, in partnership with the Orlando Artist Guild presents the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, OKLAHOMA!, recently seen in a thrilling 2019 Broadway Revival, in an all new production featuring a troupe of actor-musicians performing such iconic songs as 'Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,' 'I Caint Say No,' 'People Will Say We’re in Love' and, of course, 'Oklahoma.'

BWW Review: GORGEOUS at Renaissance Theatre Company
by Joseph Harrison - Mar 6, 2022

There’s something special about being the first audiences to see a new musical. For a musical theatre nerd like me, it is a thrill that is practically unmatched. And since I don’t live in New York City or thereabouts anymore, it is not something that happens that often. Which is why I was excited to be sitting in the audience for the first performance of an original musical, GORGEOUS, at the Renaissance Theatre Company. As Donald Rupe, Artistic Director and Co-founder of the Renaissance Theatre Company and creator (Book/Music/Lyrics) of GORGEOUS, shared during his curtain speech, the Ren aims to produce new and original theatre in Central Florida and beyond. And I am confident to say, as evidenced by this hilarious, irreverent and entertaining production, that mission is being lived out well by this not-even-a-year-old company, with a level of talent and passion that could hold its own with some of the most established theatres in the country.

Last Chance To Vote For The BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards; Athens Theatre AIN'T MISBEHAIVN' Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Staff - Dec 27, 2021

This is the last chance to vote for the 2021 BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards! The 2021 Regional Awards honor productions which had their first performance between October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.

Final Weeks To Vote For The BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards; Athens Theatre's AIN'T MISBEHAIVN' Leads Best Musical!
by BWW Staff - Dec 20, 2021

Time is running out to vote for for the 2021 BroadwayWorld Orlando Awards! The 2021 Regional Awards honor productions which had their first performance between October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.

BWW Review: THE OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA SHOW at Renaissance Theatre Company
by Joseph Harrison - Dec 12, 2021

We have all been there. The work party that you feel compelled to attend, whether you want to or not, where some years it is just a bit of egg nog and polite conversation, and others it is a night to remember (or forget, depending on how much you have to drink). Regardless of which type of shindig your company puts on each year, the one being staged at Renaissance Theatre Company under the extensive title THE OFFICE HOLIDAY PARTY MUSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA SHOW probably has them all beat. This immersive musical experience, the second offering for the new theatre company which was founded earlier this year, is a whole lot of festive fun, and it successfully carves out a niche in the typical holiday theatrical offerings – a grown up, alcohol fueled, interactive and immersive escape into the festivities of that often maligned, but underappreciated event – the annual office Christmas party.  

The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol Presents THE CAKE by Bekah Brunstetter
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 5, 2021

This month, The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol opens the second production of its sixth season, The Cake by Bekah Brunstetter. The production will be staged at The Studio Theatre Tierra del Sol (806 San Marino Drive, The Villages, FL).