Feb. 28, 2024 – The acclaimed Broadway musical “Little Women – The Musical” comes alive on stage at the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts at South Florida State College (SFSC) in Avon Park for one night on March 6 at 7 p.m.
Based on the beloved classic novel, this charming, all-new production from Big League Productions, Inc. is filled with stunning music and a powerful story cherished throughout time, offering a wholesome theatrical experience perfect for all generations. Presented by MidFlorida Credit Union, “Little Women – The Musical” has been praised by critics for its ambition in bringing the timeless, captivating story to vivid musical life on stage.
“This is most definitely the biggest show of the season,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “We have two tractor trailers bringing the sets, lights, props, and costumes, plus a cast of 14 and a production staff of more than 40. SFSC could never mount such a large stage show without the support of our sponsors.” Sponsors of the performance are Central Florida Imaging, Karlson Law Group, Heartland Endodontics, and Drs. P.J. and Mintoo Patel.
Embraced internationally, “Little Women – The Musical” has been praised by critics and audiences alike for its ambitious portrayal of Louisa May Alcott’s timeless, captivating story. “Little Women – The Musical” follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March, each determined to live life on their own terms. This touching musical presents an engaging and uplifting theatrical journey filled with heartache, joy, adventure, and personal discovery amidst the never-ending quest for everlasting love.
The performance’s producer, Big League Productions, is celebrating its 30th season of producing and managing Broadway tours of shows and attractions throughout the world.
Tickets for “Little Women – The Musical” are on sale and range from $55 to $75 with a $15 child/student ticket and they can be purchased online at sfscARTS.org, by phone at 863-784-7177, or by visiting the SFSC Box Office at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park. Groups of 12 or more can purchase tickets by contacting Tracey Ligon at 863-784-7287.
Coming to the Wildstein Center: Rumours/Fleetwood Mac tribute on March 7; The Brothers Doobie on March 23; Lynne Arriale Trio on March 24; former lead singer of Journey, Steve Augeri on March 28; USF Gospel Choir on April 6; and Bits n Pieces Puppet Theater on May 4.
Feb. 8, 2024 – Sensuous and sophisticated, the tango exhibits a world where everything can be said with the flick of a leg, the tug of a hand, the tap of a foot, and the arch of an eyebrow. Created and directed by Luis Bravo, Forever Tango was voted Best Touring Musical by Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle in San Francisco where it played an unprecedented 92 weeks at the Theatre on the Square and has returned season after season. Truly an international event, Forever Tango was also awarded the coveted Simpatia Prize at the 1996 Spoleto Festival in Italy.
MidFlorida Credit Union, Heartland Endodontics, and Dr. Catherine Cornelius are sponsoring the performance of Forever Tango at the Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts on the Highlands Campus of South Florida State College (SFSC) on Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.
“What an extraordinary opportunity for our community to have an outstanding, international production right here in the Heartland,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “It’s romantic, steamy, and dazzling. For people who love Dancing with the Stars, this show is a must-see.”
Forever Tango opened on Broadway in June of 1997 for what was expected to be an eight-week engagement, ran for 14 months, and has since been back to New York on Broadway on three separate occasions, the latest being the summer of 2013 at the Walter Kerr Theatre.
Forever Tango features 14 world-class tango dancers, one vocalist, and an on-stage 11-piece orchestra in an evening that celebrates the passionate music and dance of Argentina. The dances, performed to original and traditional music, are the result of collaboration between each couple and director/creator Bravo. “The tango is a feeling that you dance,” says Bravo, “It’s a story you tell in three minutes. It’s passionate. It’s melancholic. It’s tender, violent. You dance it with somebody — but it is so internal, you dance it by yourself. More than just a dance, the tango is music, a drama, a culture, a way of life.”
Creator/director of Forever Tango, Luis Bravo is a world-class cellist who has performed with major symphonies throughout the world. His distinguished credits include appearances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Colon Theatre Opera House, the Buenos Aires Philharmonic, and other prestigious ensembles around the world.
Groups of 12 can save 50% on regular admission prices. Tickets for Forever Tango can be purchased online at sfscARTS.org, by phone at 863-784-7178, or at the South Florida State College Box Office located at 600 West College Drive in Avon Park. Tickets start at $30 and there is a $3 per ticket processing fee.
Upcoming performances at the 1,460-seat Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts are: The Official Johnny Cash Experience on Feb. 29; the Broadway tour of the musical, “Little Women” on March 6; The Bronx Wanderers on March 19; The Brothers Doobie on March 23; The Lynne Arriale Trio on March 24, and former lead singer of Journey, Steve Augeri on March 28. A free performance by the USF Gospel Choir is scheduled for Saturday, April 6 at 7 p.m.
Mark Nizer
AVON PARK, Fla. – July 7, 2021 – South Florida State College (SFSC) Performing Arts will present Mark Nizer: The Only 4D Show in the World to benefit local nonprofits on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 3 p.m. in the Alan Jay Wildstein Center for the Performing Arts in Avon Park. This performance is featured as part of Play Your Part! Sponsored by Bill and Lisa Jarrett, Play Your Part! was created to help Highlands, Hardee, and DeSoto County nonprofits and parent teacher organizations (PTOs) raise necessary funds.
“SFSC Performing Arts is giving back to our community,” said Cindy Garren, director of cultural programs at SFSC. “In 2019, local groups raised $8,690 and a few of the nonprofits raised nearly $2,000. It’s a perfect, fun, family event for PTOs and local nonprofits and our goal is to raise $10,000 this year.”
Only 501(c) (3) nonprofit, charitable organizations and PTOs can apply to participate in Play Your Part! The organization must provide services within Highlands, Hardee, or DeSoto counties. Special consideration will be given to organizations benefiting youth, education, the arts, or wellness. Applications are available online at sfscarts.org/education/pyp or request an application by emailing culturalperformances@southflorida.edu. Applications must be received by Friday, Aug. 20 and include a certificate of nonprofit status.
Selected nonprofits receive 25 – 100 tickets for the performance. The nonprofit will sell tickets for $10 each and keep 100% of their ticket revenue. Additional tickets can be requested by the nonprofit and SFSC will provide promotional materials. All unsold tickets must be returned to SFSC Performing Arts prior to the performance.
“A dinner meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug. 26 at 5:30 p.m.,” explained Garren. “Two representatives from the nonprofit must attend for an orientation and receive their tickets.”
Entertainer Mark Nizer has changed the way people view the world making the impossible possible and the improbable probable. Since winning the International Juggling Championships, Mark has taken his one-man show to thousands of venues around the world, including The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Walt Disney World, and thousands of performing arts centers. He has opened for Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Hope, George Burns, John Byner, Gladys Knight, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, Ray Charles, and Barry Manilow Entertainment Magazine states.
“Without a doubt, the hottest juggler on the entertainment market; Mark Nizer is simply incredible,” Garren said.
His 4D shows incorporates special glasses that allow for amazing light and technology effects. Audience members’ cellphones become part of the show as Nizer uses them to light up the theatre. It is perfect entertainment for all ages with original comedy, music, technology, and world-class juggling.
