Joy Flatz

Picture it, April 2018.  Encore Performing Arts has commandeered the stage at The Abbey, a swanky downtown Orlando lounge theatre, to convert it into their spring production of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.  My friends and I meet up for the Bee, a nice way to finish off a birthday weekend that - for myself at least - began ten hours earlier, 14,000 feet in the air.

Set against the backdrop of The Abbey-the perfectly unorthodox lounge in downtown Orlando which doubles as an intimate theatre-the zany and immersive 'The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee' was brought to life on stage through Encore! Cast Performing-Arts this past weekend.

Lakewood Theatre Company begins its fall season on September 8th with the legendary landmark musical Cabaret directed by Ron Daum. Musical direction is by Beth Noelle, and choreography is by Laura Hiszczynskyj.

Among the stars of Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure, currently showing at Grand Canyon University's Ethington Theatre, are the crews responsible for set, lights, and wardrobe who have created atmospherics befitting a Sherlockian mystery. Costume designer Nola Yergen, hair and make-up designer Kay Gray, and scenic designer, William Symington, each merit a round of applause. The ensemble of talented young actors in this production of the play by Steven Dietz and directed by Claude Pensis, makes for a highly entertaining account of the (allegedly) final days of the legendary supersleuth as he confronts the double-barreled threats of Irene Adler and his ultimate nemesis, Professor Moriarty.

The 5th Avenue Theatre is pleased to announce the nominees for its ninth annual 5th Avenue Awards Honoring High School Musical Theater, the acclaimed program sponsored by Wells Fargo and supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.