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MANATEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

502 Third Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34205
941-748-5875

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About the Theatre

The Manatee Performing Arts Center, located in downtown Bradenton, Florida, serves as a cultural cornerstone, offering a diverse array of performances and community programs. Managed by Florida Cultural Group, Inc., the center features two main stages—Stone Hall for Broadway musicals and the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater for intimate dramas. With a mission that extends beyond theater, the center also hosts art exhibits, educational initiatives, and programs like 'Action Through Acting,' which addresses socially relevant issues. This dynamic venue reflects the cultural fabric of the community and provides entertainment, education, and engagement for audiences of all ages.

The Wizard of Oz
The Wizard of Oz
12/5 - 12/15/2024


Family Musical Fantasy We're off to see the wizard! This timeless tale of a Kansas farm girl who travels over the rainbow - only to ...


RELATED STORIES

Review: THE FANTASTICKS at Manatee Performing Arts Center


by Jacob Ruscoe - September 20, 2024

The Fantasticks, the beloved musical that has captured the hearts of audiences for over 50 years, recently graced the stage at the Manatee Performing Arts Center, and what a delightful performance it was! With its timeless story, enchanting music, and talented cast, this production of The Fantastick...

The Perlman Music Program Suncoast Announces 2024-2025 Season


by A.A. Cristi - August 14, 2024

This year marks the 21st year of the PMP Winter Residency in Sarasota. Under the guidance of the renowned violinist and conductor Itzhak Perlman and his wife, Toby Perlman, this two-week event not only brings enjoyment to local audiences but also provides outstanding musical training to gifted stude...

VOCES de la Maternidad Comes to Manatee Performing Arts Center This Month


by Stephi Wild - May 15, 2024

Angélica Castro and Marcela Vanegas, two accomplished performers, writers and directors, are unveiling their latest directorial endeavor, 'VOCES de la Maternidad (Voices of Motherhood),' a poignant exploration of motherhood within the Latino community in Sarasota and Manatee counties....

CreArte Latino Cultural Center to Present SANCOCHO in May


by Blair Ingenthron - April 21, 2024

In numerous Latin American nations, 'sancocho' denotes a cherished traditional stew, boasting diverse interpretations across regions. Carolina Franco, producing artistic director of CreArte Latino, underscores its significance as emblematic of the rich fusion of cultures, rhythms, and flavors within...

PETER PAN & More Lead Florida's Spring 2024 Top Theatre Shows


by Team BWW - March 01, 2024

Florida is never lacking outstanding theatre, whether epic Broadway shows, engrossing dramas or bold fringe offerings. BroadwayWorld is rounding up our top recommended theatre every month. Selections for Spring 2024 include Peter Pan​​​​​​​ and more....

Last Chance to Vote for the BWW Sarasota Awards; Voting Ends 12/31


by BWW Awards - December 26, 2023

It's the final week left to vote for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Sarasota 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!...

2 Weeks to Vote for the BWW Sarasota Awards; RIDE THE CYCLONE, AN INSPECTOR CALLS, Fed's Backyard Theater & More Lead!


by BWW Awards - December 18, 2023

There's just two weeks left to vote and we have the latest standings as of Monday, December 18th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Sarasota Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!...

BroadwayWorld Sarasota Awards December 5th Standings; RIDE THE CYCLONE Leads Best Musical!


by BWW Awards - December 05, 2023

It's December, and the first standings of the month have been announced as of Tuesday, December 5th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Sarasota Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!...

Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Sarasota Awards; FLYIN' WEST Leads Best Play!


by BWW Awards - November 27, 2023

Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Sarasota Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!...

Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Sarasota Awards; RIDE THE CYCLONE Leads Best Musical!


by BWW Awards - November 20, 2023

The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 20th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Sarasota Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!...

Past Shows

Ann Morrison: Merrily From Center Stage


A solo musical based on the memories of Ann’s award winning, Broadway debut as Marry Flynn in the 1981 Stephen Sondheim musical, Merrily We Roll

Merrily We Roll Along
Merrily We Roll Along
10/24 - 11/3/2024


Musical Comedy Sondheim's semi-autobiographical musical turns back the clock on friendship and the high price of success. Spanning three decades in the entertainment business, Merrily ...

Merrily From Center Stage


Merrily From Center Stage recalls a very specific time in 1981 when the legendary musical theater team of Hal Prince, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth ...

The Fantaskicks
The Fantaskicks
9/19 - 10/6/2024


A Romantic Musical The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in the world and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle ...

Anything Goes
Anything Goes
8/8 - 8/18/2024


Set Sail for Laughter, Love, and High Seas Adventure as Our 76th Season Sets Sail with the Cole Porter Classic! Music, dance, laughs, and the ...

Disney's The Little Mermaid JR. Show


A hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages performed by our youngest stars. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to ...

Disney's Finding Nemo KIDS


Explore the big blue world with this lively musical based on the beloved Pixar movie featuring our young stars! Disney’s Finding Nemo KIDS is a ...

Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS Show


Disney's Winnie the Pooh KIDS Show Pooh Bear and all of his friends from the classic children’s books and animated film band together to rescue ...

Kiss Me, Kate
Kiss Me, Kate
4/25 - 5/12/2024


MPAC is Sizzling with Comedy Magic this Spring!   Kiss Me, Kate shines as one of Broadway’s most sparkling achievements. This is the winner of ...

MPAC Youth Education Presents CELEBRATE BROADWAY!


Come on along and listen to the great music of Broadway!  CELEBRATE BROADWAY! Come join Manatee Performing Arts Center’s Spring Education Program’s performance as we ...

Parade
Parade
3/7 - 3/17/2024


This musical drama takes place amid religious intolerance, political injustice and racial tension, Parade explores the endurance of love and hope against all the odds.

The Glass Menagerie
The Glass Menagerie
2/29 - 3/10/2024


A cramped apartment. A family struggling with its past. A Gentleman Caller who brings hope. Join us for Tennessee Williams’ astonishing play about dreams...

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma!


The Hamilton of its day!   Oklahoma! is the groundbreaking musical that set the stage for all that followed! It kicked off a Golden Age ...

Crimes of the Heart
Crimes of the Heart
1/11 - 1/21/2024


Meg just left one. Lenny never had one. Babe just shot one.   The Magrath sisters sure have a way with men!   The Pulitzer ...

She Loves Me
She Loves Me
11/30 - 12/10/2023


Performance Dates: Thursday, November 30, 2023 from 7:30 PM-10:00 PM Friday, December 1, 2023 from 8:00 PM-10:30 PM Saturday, December 2, 2023 from 8:00 PM-10:30 ...

The Drowsy Chaperone
The Drowsy Chaperone
10/26 - 11/5/2023


“A Musical Within a Comedy” When a die-hard theatre fan plays his favorite cast album, the characters come to life in this hilarious Tony Award-winning ...

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
10/1 - 10/31/2023


The story is a mixture of adventure, love, hate and sex. The audience is introduced to a newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, who encounter ...

The Rocky Horror Show
The Rocky Horror Show
10/19 - 10/31/2023


“Let’s Do the Time Warp Again!” In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie ...

Songs for a New World
Songs for a New World
9/14 - 9/24/2023


Performance Dates: Thursday, September 14-24, 2023 Thursday, September 14, 2023 – 7:30 PM – 9:15 PM Friday, September 15, 2023 – 8:00 PM – 9:45 ...

Something Rotten!
Something Rotten!
8/10 - 8/27/2023


Welcome to the Renaissance! Two brothers set out to write the world’s first musical in this hilarious mash-up of sixteenth-century Shakespeare and twenty-first-century Broadway. Set ...

Seussical KIDS Show


Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat, our narrator, tells the story of Horton, an elephant ...

Disney's Frozen KIDS


Disney’s worldwide phenomenon is taking our stage by (snow)storm! You’ll love this fanciful and heartwarming stage adaptation of the celebrated animated film. Join Anna, Elsa, ...

Disney's The Lion King JR.


Disney's The Lion King JR. is the inspiring coming-of-age “tail.” The African savannah comes to life on stage with Simba, Rafiki and an unforgettable cast ...

Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard
4/27 - 5/14/2023


Andrew Lloyd Webber’s SUNSET BOULEVARD Based on the Billy Wilder film, the musical version of Sunset Boulevard is a tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ...

DraMature Presents A Hollywood 1940's USO Radio Musical


Travel back in time with DraMature to the 1940's era of Bob Hope, USO tours, and radio plays. This show is filled with songs, skits, ...

Annie KIDS


Much like its protagonist, Annie KIDS is equally full of pluck and positivity. This adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical follows little orphan Annie as ...

Driving Miss Daisy
Driving Miss Daisy
4/5 - 4/23/2023


This Pulitzer-winning play was the most successful play to be put on in the Bradenton Kiwanis Theater and is returning to bring this heartfelt tale ...

COMPANY
COMPANY
3/2 - 3/12/2023


Sondheim's game-changing musical is a sophisticated and honest look at modern adult relationships. Robert’s 35th birthday has arrived and his friends join him, but they ...

Go Ask Alice
Go Ask Alice
2/1 - 2/5/2023


Go Ask AliceA raindrop just splashed on my forehead," Alice wrote in her diary, "and it was like a tear from heaven. Am I really ...

NEXT TO NORMAL
NEXT TO NORMAL
1/19 - 1/29/2023


An unflinching look at a suburban family struggling with the effects of mental illness. NEXT TO NORMAL is an emotional powerhouse that addresses such issues ...

THE MUSIC MAN
THE MUSIC MAN
12/1 - 12/18/2022


In River City, Illinois, the town was promised a marching band by a salesman named Harold Hill. What they dont know is that he is ...

Pets! The Musical
Pets! The Musical
11/9 - 11/20/2022


This critically-acclaimed musical review consists of 22 musical scenes dealing with the very special relationship between people and their pets. It's clever, user-friendly and suits ...

Gypsy
Gypsy
10/20 - 10/30/2022


The Mother of All Musicals! The jewel of Broadway's Golden Age, Gypsy boasts an incomparable score, a brilliantly conceived book, and one of the greatest ...

RENT
RENT
9/14 - 10/2/2022


La Vie Boheme!Jonathan Larson's iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that shaped a generation of audiences and taught us all to measure our life in love.Set in ...

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying


Power, sex, ambition, greedIts just another day at the office in this classic satire of big business. Big business means big laughs in this delightfully ...

TITANIC-The Musical
TITANIC-The Musical
4/28 - 5/15/2022


Epic and majestic-with moments of heartbreaking intimacy-TITANIC-The Musical captures the triumph and tragedy of the hopeful passengers on the ill-fated Ship of Dreams.Based on real ...

THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES
THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES
3/16 - 3/27/2022


You don't want to miss this musical that has gorgeous costumes, toe-tapping music and fantastic choreography! THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES stands out among musicals because ...

CHAPLIN
CHAPLIN
1/20 - 1/30/2022


He came to America an unknown. He left amidst scandals and controversy. In between, Charlie Chaplin became one of the best-loved and most famous entertainers ...

I Do! I Do!
I Do! I Do!
4/22 - 5/9/2021


The story of a marriage is at the center of I Do! I Do!, an intimate and nostalgic work by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones ...

The Long Reunion
The Long Reunion
5/26 - 5/28/2018


WORLD PREMIERE - Three friends from a seaside high school meet for a 25th anniversary graduation luncheon. Their lives have not turned out according to ...

NINE the musical
NINE the musical
1/11 - 1/28/2018

Disney's Beauty and the Beast
Disney's Beauty and the Beast
12/1 - 12/18/2016


Back by Popular Demand following its sold-out 2010 engagement....

Videos


SIX TEEN EDITION in Sarasota SIX TEEN EDITION
Ovation Theatre Inc (11/1 - 11/10) Tracker
Five Guys Named Moe in Sarasota Five Guys Named Moe
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (3/5 - 4/6)
Fences in Sarasota Fences
Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe (1/15 - 2/23)
DIVAS: Time After Time in Sarasota DIVAS: Time After Time
Florida Studio Theatre (2/12 - 6/22)
Into the Woods in Sarasota Into the Woods
The Sarasota Players (4/9 - 4/20)
The Heart Sellers in Sarasota The Heart Sellers
Florida Studio Theatre (12/11 - 2/16)
Jersey Boys in Sarasota Jersey Boys
Florida Studio Theatre (3/26 - 5/25)
Little Women in Sarasota Little Women
The Sarasota Players (12/4 - 12/15)
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