Winter Park Playhouse’s
new season includes new works alongside classics like “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
Winter Park Playhouse is championing new work during its 2018-19 season of musicals, even as it pays tribute to beloved composers and performers of yesteryear. The theater announced its upcoming shows Friday night.
Among the professional musical theater’s lineup are shows making their local premiere, regional premiere or, in one case, world premiere. That last production is particularly notable because it was partly developed here in Central Florida. “Gigolo: A Cole Porter Revue” received a staged reading at the Playhouse’s first Festival of New Musicals in August.
Here’s a chronological look at the Playhouse’s sixshow season: Gigolo: A Cole Porter
Revue, July 27-Aug. 19: Creator Paul Gilger uses Porter’s music, such as “It’s De-Lovely,” “Let’s Do It” and others, to tell the story of a handsome playboy and his relationships with four women. I Love a Piano, Sept. 21-Oct. 14: This hopeful musical
looks at America through the songs of Irving Berlin by following a piano’s journey from the 1920s through the ’50s. More than 60 of Berlin’s best-loved songs are included, including “Blue Skies,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and “God Bless America.” Winter Wonderettes,
Nov. 16-Dec. 16: This musical comedy follows a 1960s girl group selected to perform at a holiday party. When Santa goes missing, it’s up to the singers to save the day. The familiar Christmas tunes include ’60s versions of “Winter Wonderland” and “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Ain’t Misbehavin’ — The Fats Waller Musical Show, Jan. 25-Feb. 23, 2019: A high-energy revue, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” captures the spirit of Waller, the noted composer and entertainer intrinsic to the Harlem jazz sound, through his music and dancing. Among his songs: “The Joint Is Jumpin’” and “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love.”
What a Glorious Feeling: The Story of Singin’ in the Rain, March 15-April 13, 2019: Making its Southeastern premiere, this songand-dance
musical examines a little-known backstage love triangle. During the creation of the classic movie “Singin’ in the Rain,” star Gene Kelly and co-director Stanley Donen had eyes for their assistant, Jeanne Coyne. With wellloved songs and Hollywood choreography, “What a Glorious Feeling” tells this reallife story.
Heartbeats, May 10-June 9, 2019: This contemporary musical by singer-songwriter Amanda McBroom, making its local premiere, explores a woman’s journey of self-discovery with humor and insight. The show features 20 of McBroom’s songs, including “The Rose,” which Bette Midler later covered to great acclaim.
Current subscribers may renew at any time. New subscriptions go on sale Feb. 20, and three-show mini-subscriptions and single tickets will be available March 20. Winter Park Playhouse is at 711 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park. For more information, go to winterparkplayhouse.org or call 407-645-0145.