THEATER FEATURES FANTASY, FUN

J.W. Arnold

Regional and touring theater productions offer an escape from the summer heat with witty and wonderful productions that are sure to amuse South Florida audiences:

‘DISENCHANTED’ MNM THEATRE CO.

MNM Theatre Co. returns to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach for its production of “Disenchanted.” More a revue than a musical, the adult-themed show supposes what the Disney princesses might have to say about life, if they were real – all while carefully stepping around any possible trademark infringement or cease-and-desist letters from the corporate powerhouse. The ladies protest misogyny and gender stereotypes, curse and drink, and a couple even explore a little girlon-girl action. It’s a bawdy show that the ensemble cast sell handily with their powerful voices. Hurry, the show closes May 27. Tickets at MNMTheatre.org.

‘TRACY JONES’

ISLAND CITY STAGE

Island City Stage presents the rolling world premiere of this new comedy by Stephen Kaplan. Tracy Jones is a lonely woman who leads a dull, uneventful life and she’s sure it’s partly because her name is drab. But what if she celebrates her name by hosting a party and inviting every woman named Tracy Jones – not just from her hometown, but all over the world? And, what if she hosts it at Jones Street Bar and Grill, the Place for Wings (and Things)? What could go wrong with that scenario? Kaplan’s play is a study in belonging and self-worth and runs through June 18.

Tickets start at $40 at IslandCityStage.org.

‘NEWSIES’ SLOW BURN THEATRE CO.

Stop the presses! Slow Burn Theatre Co., the regional company in residence at the Broward Center, presents its latest Disney musical, the dance-centric “Newsies,” June 10 – 25. Set in turn-of-the century New York City, “Newsies” is the rousing tale of a band of teenaged paperboys. When their publishers raise distribution prices at the young men’s expense, they strike against the unfair conditions, dancing and singing all the way. Based on the 1992 motion picture and inspired by a true story, the show will showcase the

Fairy tale princesses tell their stories on their terms in “Disenchanted,” playing through May 27 at the Kravis Center in West talents of director/choreographer Patrick Fitzwater.

Tickets start at $49 at SlowBurnTheatre. com.

‘BEETLEJUICE’ BROADWAY IN FORT LAUDERDALE

Tim Burton’s film about a couple of straight-laced ghosts who haunt the quirky new owners of their New England home gets the Broadway treatment with song, dance and lots of special effects. We’re not going to get Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder or Catherine O’Hara in this touring production, but makeup and costumes (not to mention incredible voices) will more than make up for our film favorites.

Tickets start at $30 at BrowardCenter.org.

‘SIX DANCE LESSONS IN SIX WEEKS’ EMPIRE STAGE

Lily, an aging but formidable retiree, hires Michael, an acerbic dance instructor, to give her dance lessons in her condo in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. Antagonism between a gay man and the wife of a Southern Baptist minister gives way to profound compatibility as they tango, foxtrot, and chacha while sharing barbs and intimacies along with the dance steps. During the sixth lesson, Lily reveals a closely guarded secret and Michael shares his greatest gifts. The comedy runs June 16 – July 2 at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale.

Tickets are $30 at EmpireStage.com.