2022-2023 OUR 73RD SEASON!
Let’s gather together. For more than 70 years, Venice Theatre has gathered folks together in small spaces and large, in airplane hangars and basketball courts. Together our community has shared uproarious comedies, foot-stomping musicals, and wrenching dramas…often close reflections of our own true lives. In an age where isolation—both forced and sometimes wished-for—has threatened the collective experience, this theatre lives on, bringing people together to share our changing times...and to have fun! Venice Theatre’s 73rd season brings us a real reflection of our lives and dreams: nostalgia and laughter, deep thoughts and great music, the familiar and the new. This adventure comes as we emerge from a once-in-a-century pandemic. Many of us have hesitated until now to venture out and about, for fear of the unseen virus. COVID is still the number one topic of conversation in most circles, even as we strive to leave it behind us. Well, we can make you this promise: not one of our shows in 2022-23 is about COVID! We may explore the schisms in our society. We may revel in familiar show tunes and stories. We may laugh at alternate realities and silly premises. And we may extend our heartstrings for “a poor, lonely, old man” such as Ebenezer Scrooge. But the subject will not be…you guessed it (we’re not talking about it)! Sound good to you? Subscribe today, and let’s gather together…for lots of reasons…finally.
MURRAY CHASE, Producing Executive Director
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, 2022
SUBSCRIBENOW! GREAT STORIES Our artistic team has selected a tremendous variety of classic and contemporary plays and musicals for our 73rd season. They will entertain, inspire and challenge you. WELL PLAYED We are a professionally-staffed, volunteerreliant live theatre operating with professional standards of excellence. As America’s second largest community theatre, we have garnered dozens of local, regional and national awards as well as accolades from critics and audiences alike. YOUR WAY We offer four subscription packages. Pick the one that works best for your schedule, your budget, your lifestyle.
SAVINGS As a subscriber you save up to 30%. And if ticket prices go up based on demand, your savings are locked in. SECURITY Because you’ve planned ahead, you don’t have to worry about shows selling out or forgetting to see a show before it closes. SERVICE Our staff and volunteers will give you the one-on-one attention you deserve. “The staff here is magnificent … A level of kindness and caring that is difficult to find exists at this theatre.” ~ Facebook review
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THE JERVEY A SERIES OF BROADWAY-CALIBER MUSICALS, COMEDIES AND DRAMAS IN OUR 432-SEAT JERVEY THEATRE
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The School For Wives, 2007
The Rocky Horror Show, 2007
Smokey Joe’s Cafe, 2018
Gypsy, 2005
THE JERVEY SERIES SEP 16 - OCT 2, 2022
The Revolutionists * BY LAUREN GUNDERSON
Four bodacious women lose their heads (literally) in this irreverent, womencentered tragicomedy set during the French Revolution. This witty, thoughtprovoking, raucously funny adventure was inventively conceived by one of today’s most-produced American playwrights. OCT 21 - NOV 20, 2022
Broadway Hit Musical TBA July 15, 2022
Based on a British film, this sweet, sexy, fiery musical will blow your mind! It won six Tony Awards in 2013 including Best Score for a certain 1980s icon. We can’t wait to reveal the title of this beautiful show that will raise you up! JAN 13 - FEB 5, 2023
You’ve Got a Friend (working title) CONCEIVED BY SCOTT KEYS AND MICHELLE KASANOFSKY
Once we announce the details, you’ll come running to hear a tapestry of songs that will make the earth move under your feet! If you’re down and troubled, inject your soul with some sweet rock ‘n’ roll and brighten up even your darkest night. FEB 24 - MAR 26, 2023
Gypsy: A Musical Fable
MUSIC BY JULE STYNE | LYRICS BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM | BOOK BY ARTHUR LAURENTS BASED ON GYPSY: A MEMOIR BY GYPSY ROSE LEE
Speculated by many (including New York Times critic Ben Brantley) to be the greatest of all American musicals, Gypsy tells the story of one woman’s efforts to get her daughters into show business. Featuring musical theatre standards like “Some People,” “Let Me Entertain You,” and the show-stopping “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” Gypsy helped launch Stephen Sondheim’s career and earned Mama Rose a place in the theatrical canon as the quintessential Stage Mother. APR 28 - MAY 14, 2023
Death of a Salesman BY ARTHUR MILLER
This Pulitzer and Tony Award Winner tells the iconic American story of Willy Loman, who made his living riding on a “smile and a shoeshine.” About to lose his job and haunted by missed opportunities and a troubled past, he continues to chase his elusive American Dream while his wife struggles to help him. *Includes adult language/themes. Audience discretion advised. VeniceTheatre.org | 941.488.1115 | 73rd season | 5
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The Last Five Years, 2022
Fences, 2017
Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage, 2017
Blood Brothers, 2017
Metamorphoses, 2016
STAGE 2
A SERIES OF THOUGHTPROVOKING PRODUCTIONS PRESENTED IN OUR INTIMATE 90-SEAT PINKERTON THEATRE.
STAGE 2 SERIES SEP 9 - 25, 2022
God’s Country * BY STEVEN DIETZ
A riveting, highly theatrical docudrama about those dedicated to revolution against the U.S. government and the expulsion from “God’s Country” of non-Aryans. Three narrative spines are skillfully interwoven in this thought-provoking, unsettling, and challenging fare that examines America’s dark soul, and asks, “What can/should we do about it?” JAN 20 - FEB 12, 2023
The Cemetery Club BY IVAN MENCHELl
A funny, sweet-tempered, moving romantic comedy about three Jewish widows who meet once a month for tea before going to visit their husbands’ graves. The Broadway production was so popular that it was made into a film starring Ellen Burstyn, Dianne Ladd, and Olympia Dukakis. MAR 3 -19, 2023
Roe *
BY LISA LOOMER
A theatrically innovative play about the history of and human backstories behind the 1973 Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision. Far from being an “issue” play, Roe presents the spectrum of the abortion debate without taking a side, and thoughtfully examines the moment in recent history when our nation changed. MAY 5 - 21, 2023
Lizzie Stranton * BY LYDIA R. DIAMOND
On the eve of the Apocalypse, Lizzie, First Lady of “a country brave and free” hatches a plan with her global female contemporaries to end the war by withholding sex until the world is united in peace – No Peace – No Piece! *Includes adult language/themes. Audience discretion advised.
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MORE James and the Giant Peach, 2016
Little Women, 2005
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THEATRE FOR AND BY ALL AGES
MORE JUL 19 - 24, 2022 (Jervey Theatre)
DEC 9 - 20, 2022 (Jervey Theatre)
BOOK & LYRICS BY TOM JONES MUSIC BY HARVEY SCHMIDT
ORIGINAL BOOK & LYRICS BY SCOTT KEYS ORIGINAL MUSIC BY E. SUZAN OTT | ADDITIONAL MUSIC BY SCOTT KEYS, JASON BRENNER, AND ELI SCHILDKRAUT ADAPTED FROM THE ORIGINAL STORY BY CHARLES DICKENS
The Fantasticks
“Try To Remember” a time when this romantic charmer wasn’t enchanting audiences! The Fantasticks is the longest-running musical in the world and with good reason: at the heart of its breathtaking poetry and subtle theatrical sophistication is a purity and innocence that transcends cultural barriers. The result is a timeless celebration of young love and family that is both nostalgic and universal.
A Christmas Carol
Travel to Victorian London for our original musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic story where you’ll meet Ebenezer Scrooge as he reflects on his past, present, and possible future. MAR 30 - APR 2, 2023 (Jervey Theatre)
The Silver Foxes
Godspell JR
The Silver Foxes are a professionally-directed volunteer troupe who have been bringing entertainment to the area for over 25 years. Each March they bring a full-scale production to our MainStage Jervey Theatre, led by their beloved director, Brad Wages.
Prepare ye for the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love based on the Broadway musical that inspired a generation.
MAR 31 - APR 23, 2023 (Pinkerton Theatre)
AUG 4 - 7, 2022 (Jervey Theatre) BOOK BY JOHN MICHAEL TEBELAK MUSIC & LYRICS BY STEPHEN SCHWARTZ BASED ON “THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MATTHEW.”
OCT 7 - 16, 2022 (Pinkerton Theatre)
Arabian Nights ADAPTED BY DOMENIC COOKE
Through a mixture of song, dance, puppetry, and illusion, these magical folk stories of the Islamic Golden Age deliver a message of acceptance, forgiveness and redemption. NOV 18 - DEC 20, 2022 (Pinkerton Theatre)
Xanadu
BOOK BY DOUGLAS CARTER BEANE MUSIC AND LYRICS BY JEFF LYNNE & JOHN FARRAR BASED ON THE UNIVERSAL PICTURES FILM SCREENPLAY BY RICHARD DANUS & MARC RUBEL
Little Women
The Broadway Musical BOOK BY ALLAN KNEE MUSIC BY JASON HOWLAND LYRICS BY MINDI DICKSTEIN
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s American classic, this Civil War story of love and family stands the test of time. This captivating story is brought to life in this glorious musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope and everlasting love. The original production starred the unparalleled Sutton Foster, who received Tony, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk nominations for her performance.
Based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly, Xanadu is hilarity on wheels for adults, children and anyone who has ever wanted to feel inspired.
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GOLDEN TICKET SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES
Golden Ticket $368
YOUR TICKET TO (ALMOST) EVERYTHING
QUESTIONS? Call us at 941.488.1115 ext. 235 Our Box Office manager is ready to help. Or visit us online at VeniceTheatre.org for up-to-the-minute information about Venice Theatre.
Treat yourself to priority seating and exchanges for five (5) Jervey, four (4) Stage 2 and seven (7) additional shows in both of our theatres. 16 shows total. The biggest savings for our most loyal patrons!
The Jervey Five $145
FIXED SHOWS. FIXED DATES. FIXED SEAT. (No exchanges/refunds)
You know what you like, so pick your regular day and favorite seat for our five-show series in The MainStage Jervey Theatre. One ticket to each show: The Revolutionists, TBA, You’ve Got a Friend, Gypsy, and Death of a Salesman
Stage 2 Four $108
FIXED SHOWS. GENERAL SEATING. DATE FLEXIBILITY.
The four shows in our thought-provoking Stage 2 Series, now in its 30th season: God’s Country, The Cemetery Club, Roe, and Lizzie Stranton
Pick Any 5 $150
DESIGN YOUR OWN SUBSCRIPTION
Pick five out of the 16 shows we’re offering this season. Musicals, comedies, dramas, classic fare. Contemporary pieces that push the envelope and purely entertaining ones that leave you humming a tune. If you love variety, this is the subscription for you. Venice Theatre reserves the right to substitute alternate shows and to change dates and times based on availability. Absolutely NO Refunds or Credits. Exchanges must be made 48 hours prior to curtain. 10 | VeniceTheatre.org | 941.488.1115 | 73rd season
Disney’s Mary Poppins, 2015
As the saying goes,“There are no small parts, only small actors.” To continue making a dramatic impact on all stages of life, Venice Theatre needs you to play your part. Play Your Part
Venice Theatre is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization. Your season subscription covers half the cost of producing our shows. Please consider making a tax deductible contribution of $100.00 or more. Benefactor ($10,000+) Platinum ($7500-$9999) Gold ($5000-$7499) Silver ($2500-$4999) Bronze ($1000-$2499)
Angel ($750-$999) Advocate ($500-$749) Patron ($250-$499) Donor ($100-$249) Friend ($Up to $99)
If you contribute $1,000 or more to the theatre, you will become a member of the Presidents Club! There are special perks including receptions in the newly renovated Presidents Club with complimentary cocktails.
Place the amount you choose on the contribution line of your order form (see back), or call our development department to learn more at 941.584.0640. Every contribution is appreciated! 11
Venice Theatre is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization.
Death of a Salesman Lizzie Stranton
APR/MAY
You’ve Got a Friend The Cemetery Club Gypsy: A Musical Fable Roe The Silver Foxes Little Women
JAN/FEB/MAR
Arabian Nights TBA Xanadu A Christmas Carol
OCT/NOV/DEC
The Fantasticks Godspell JR God’s Country The Revolutionists
JUL/AUG/SEP
2022-2023 AT A GLANCE
140 Tampa Ave. W., Venice, FL 34285
Questions? Call 941.488.1115 x 235.
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2022-2023 Our 73rd Season!