Francis Wilson Playhouse || The Theatre on Old Clearwater Bay

Over two hundred people came to enjoy our Valentines Broadway Concert on Saturday, February 11th. A huge hit with both audiences (matinee and evening), appreciation could be heard very clearly in the lobby as song after song received a rousing applause. Narration by our very own Director/Producer, Jason Fortner, was “icing on the cake” as intro after intro embellished the entertainment and brought the enjoyment to a whole new level. It certainly helps that he is a walking encyclopedia when it comes to the Broadway stage, composers, writers, singers and….what audiences enjoy. Love was definitely in the air.

Our next and final concert for this season is March 24th, “Comedy Tonight”. Come laugh with us when we present talented performers as they sing their way through an hilarious smorgasbord of funny tunes penned by the Gershwin brothers, Rodgers & Hart, Irving Berlin and Stephen Sondheim. Tickets are $15, seating is reserved and available by calling Gabrielle at the Box Office.

As promised here is the listing for next season’s shows. Membership renewals and new memberships will remain the same price as this season: ALL 8 SHOWS $135.00. Renewal forms will be mailed out late January early February and we look forward to assisting you with your season ticket renewals.

Plaza Suite: Aug 9 – 19
Crazy For You: Sept 20 – Oct 7
You Can’t Take It With You: Oct 25 – Nov 4
Fiddler On The Roof: Nov 29 – Dec 16
Hollywood Arms: Jan 17 – 27
Damn Yankees: Feb 21 – Mar 10
Is He Dead?: Apr 4 – 14
Pippin: May 9 – 26

Patty Baldwin, Chair of the First Nighters, held a meeting at the Playhouse to announce their next champagne premiere and to begin the festive plans for the fun evening. “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” is our next big bash musical and the First Nighters will host a big bash premiere to open the show. Wednesday, February 22nd at 7:00 p.m. the doors will open to a lobby adorned with tables of delicious hors d’oeuvres, savory fingerfoods and desserts with plenty of the bubbly to wash it down! Door raffles and a money tree will keep the festivities alive so come dressed for the occasion. Accustomed to a full house, the ladies suggest making reservations as soon as possible. The First Nighters are very dedicated and believe that a live theatre experience should be a very special occasion – they even host their premieres dressed in long black evening gowns each complete with a red rose corsage, their signature emblem. All proceeds support the Playhouse and in recent times have funded the newly decorated lobby, the new landscaping, the auditorium redecorating, upgraded air-conditioning and our red velvet curtain on stage. The reception begins at 7, the curtain is at 8 and tickets are only $29.00 all inclusive. Tickets are available by contacting the box office or Patti Baldwin at 738-9121

FWP is stepping into the new year offering tickets on line for the first show of 2012, “BUS STOP”. We pride ourselves in the best customer service possible and always treat a reservation with all due courtesy and appreciation. With that in mind, the offering of tickets on line will be a carefully managed gradual transition beginning with “Bus Stop”. The remaining shows of the season will be offered one at a time until we are satisfied that our system is user friendly and that on-line ticketing reflects our priority of quality customer service. While on-line ticket sales is considered to be an additional amenity for the convenience of customers, it is important to remind you all that the Box Office will remain fully operational for all reservations, sales and marketing, community joint ventures, fundraising for charities, art gallery scheduling and all business activities. Gabrielle will be in the office Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and is available to assist you with all your Playhouse needs. We look forward to a new beginning in the history of FWP and wish everyone visiting our website a very happy New Year!

The annual Red Hat Premiere at the Playhouse will be on Wednesday, April 4, 2012.  Premiere celebrations begin at 7:00 p.m. and always include rafles, 50/50 at the door, a one hour cocktail party and a private showing of “Moonlight and Magnolias” at 8:00 p.m.  Based on a true story, this hilarious fast-paced farce centers on the creation of the film, “GONE WITH THE WIND”. Tickets are $25 all inclusive and available by calling the box office.