Central Florida’s largest professional theater company kicks off its 2023-24 season in August with ‘Million Dollar Quartet’; lineup includes Broadway hits, new works, and Shakespeare classics
ORLANDO, Fla. - Featuring a year-long celebration that includes one of Shakespeare’s funniest plays in an exciting new setting, along with vibrant, intense and dramatic works, and bookended by two Tony Award-winning musicals, Orlando Shakes in partnership with UCF has announced its upcoming productions for the 2023-24 season - its 35th in Central Florida.
“For 34 years, Orlando Shakes has entertained Central Florida audiences with some of the best comedies, dramas, and musicals ever written,” said Jim Helsinger, who will be entering his 29th season as artistic director with Orlando Shakes. “To celebrate our 35th season, what better way to do so than to produce world-class work that makes you want to laugh, makes you think, and makes you feel. This upcoming season has something for everybody.”
The season will kick off in August with the foot-stomping Broadway musical production of "Million Dollar Quartet," the true story of the day Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins jammed together at Sun Record Studios in 1956. In September, Shakespeare and comedy lovers alike will be transported to Mardi Gras in New Orleans for a fun-filled take on Shakespeare’s "The Comedy of Errors," followed in October by "Boulevard of Bold Dreams," a dynamic story about the night Hattie McDaniel made Hollywood history by becoming the first Black artist to win an Oscar. In December, Orlando Shakes’ holiday tradition "A Christmas Carol" returns to warm the hearts of the entire family.
In January of 2024, our popular Fire and Reign series continues with a Bare Bard/Original Practices production of "Henry VI, Part 1: Joan of Arc" - an epic, powerful beginning to Shakespeare’s trilogy on the Wars of the Roses. In February, audiences will get lured into a world of fantasy, power, love, and seduction in our production of the Tony Award nominee "Venus in Fur." Just one month later, nationally renowned actor and director Debra Ann Byrd stars in her autobiographical show, "Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey." Finally, in April, the award-winning musical that pays tribute to the music of Fats Waller, "Ain’t Misbehavin’," closes out the season in a sensational and upbeat celebration.
“We are so excited by this lineup,” said Helsinger. “New and returning guests of Orlando Shakes have so much to choose from this upcoming season, with our seven Signature Series blockbuster productions plus our annual holiday classic, 'A Christmas Carol.' Also, our Children’s Series returns this October with 'The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!,' the fun musical production of the best selling book.”
New season subscriptions will go on sale starting April 19. Single tickets and Choose Your Own packages will go on sale on May 18. This season we are putting patrons in the driver’s seat - they can choose from a full Signature series of seven shows with an optional add-on of "A Christmas Carol" - select a Musical, Classical, or Comedy package, or design their own season package of three or five productions.
2023-2024 titles and dates, as well as renewal and on-sale dates, are subject to change; additional information about the season, including creative teams and casting, will be announced at a later date.
SIGNATURE SERIES
Million Dollar Quartet
By Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux
August 2-20, 2023
The Comedy of Errors
By William Shakespeare
September 6-October 1, 2023
Boulevard of Bold Dreams
By LaDarrion Williams
October 4-29, 2023
Henry VI, Part 1: Joan of Arc
By William Shakespeare
January 10-21, 2024
Venus in Fur
By David Ives
February 7-March 3, 2024
Becoming Othello: A Black Girl’s Journey
Written and Performed by Debra Ann Byrd
March 13-30, 2024
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Conceived by Murray Horwitz and Richard Malby, Jr.
April 10-28, 2024
CHILDREN’S SERIES
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs!
Book and lyrics by Robert Kauzlaric | Based on the book by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
October 18 - November 11, 2023
SPECIAL PRODUCTIONS AND EVENTS
A Christmas Carol
By Charles Dickens | Adapted by Jim Helsinger
November 29 - December 24, 2023
Massey Services Opening Nights
The first Friday night of each Signature Series show's respective run.
PlayFest
October 27-29, 2023 - Weekend One
November 3-5, 2023 - Weekend Two
For more information, call the Orlando Shakes Box Office at 407-447-1700 or visit www.orlandoshakes.org/.