JaxPlays

'Desperate Measures' Puts a Rootin’-Tootin’ Spin on Shakespeare at Theatre Jacksonville | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Theatre Jacksonville’s 'Desperate Measures' brings wild western charm to Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, with standout performances and sharp musical wit.

Come for the toe-tapping tunes, stay for the moral dilemmas (and the pratfalls). 'Desperate Measures' is a feast for belly and brain. Our review → jaxplays.org/reviews/2025...

'Rhinoceros' at Limelight Theatre Blurs the Line Between Audience and Herd | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Limelight Theatre's Rhinoceros confronts the absurdity of mass conformity with chilling relevance and existential depth.

Limelight Theatre’s 'Rhinoceros' is a gut-punch of a production — absurd, immersive and terrifyingly relevant.
Clever casting and a roaring undercurrent of ideological dread make this one unforgettable.
📅 Runs through June 15
#Theatre #Absurdism #Rhinoceros @theatrecritics.bsky.social

Greenlight Theatre's 'Chicago' Is Gritty, Glitzy and Unforgettable | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Raw, riveting and razor-sharp — Greenlight Theatre Company's Chicago delivers grit, glam and powerhouse performances in a bold, intimate staging at Riverside Church.

Greenlight Theatre ’s 'Chicago' is gritty, glitzy and unforgettable. This fearless production turns a church basement into a jazz-soaked fever dream.
Read the full review: jaxplays.org/reviews/2025...
#JaxPlays #ChicagoMusical #GreenlightTheatre

'My Fair Lady' at Alhambra Theatre Dazzles with Charm and Impeccable Talent | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Jacksonville’s Alhambra Theatre delivers a dazzling 'My Fair Lady' production with top-notch vocals, elegant costumes and unforgettable musical theater magic.

From bold costumes to a standout ensemble, Critic Sara Orr explores why 'My Fair Lady' at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining is a gem in Jacksonville’s theater scene. Don’t miss her review. jaxplays.org/reviews/2025...

Players by the Sea's 'Waitress' Finds a Soft Place to Land at the Ritz Theatre | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA When a fire broke out at Players by the Sea’s building in April, it brought their spring season to a sudden standstill. Smoke and water damage left the building unusable, and with the set built and…

Players by the Sea’s Waitress gets a new home at the Ritz Theatre after fire damage shuts down its beach venue. A story about pie, possibility and second chances finds its place in LaVilla. Full story: jaxplays.org/news/2025/05...
#jaxarts #waitressmusical #jaxhistory #theatre

David Alford Returns to Jacksonville Stage in Lumen Rep’s 'American Buffalo' | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Acclaimed actor David Alford returns to Jacksonville to star in Lumen Repertory Theatre's production of David Mamet's American Buffalo, opening June 13.

David Alford returns to Jacksonville for 'American Buffalo'
Mamet’s coin heist gone wrong lands at WJCT Studio B June 13 jaxplays.org/news/2025/05...

'MJ The Musical' Dazzles with Iconic Moves, Massive Scale and Heartfelt Tribute | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA 'MJ The Musical' Broadway tour delivers iconic hits, stunning choreography, immersive visuals and a powerful tribute to the legacy of Michael Jackson.

From Motown to “Man in the Mirror,” FSCJ Artist Series' 'MJ The Musical' flows like a mixtape built for memory and movement.

'Singin’ in the Rain' at Amelia Community Theatre Dazzles with Heart, Humor and High-Stepping Nostalgia | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Amelia Community Theatre’s *Singin’ in the Rain* blends sharp wit, classic choreography and a timely message about reinvention.

Big themes, bigger dance numbers. Singin’ in the Rain reminds us how art evolves with tech — and why we should too. #reviewsup

Orange Park Community Theatre's 'Steel Magnolias' Turns a Small Salon into a Big Emotional Journey | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA At OPCT, *Steel Magnolias* brings laughter, loss and lasting friendship to life in a tender, intimate production.

Orange Park Community Theatre’s 'Steel Magnolias' showcases the impact of strong ensemble work and meaningful local art.

'Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors' Slays the Stage with Laughs and Bites at Theatre Jacksonville | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Expect puppets, puns and perfectly timed scares in this giddy, gothic thrill ride packed with sharp wit, bold performances and a bite of romance.

Looking for proof that live theater is alive and thriving? This hilarious gothic spoof has it all.
🧛‍♂️ Review

No Stage, No Excuse: Jacksonville University Abandons the Arts | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA “You don’t get to market yourself as a place of discovery, growth and personal development while simultaneously telling your artists they don’t matter.”

“You don’t get to gut the arts and still call yourself a place of discovery.”
Chris Peterson's full editorial from @onstageblog.bsky.social is now published on JaxPlays.

Fire at Players by the Sea Causes Widespread Damage, Cancels Performances | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA A fire at Players by the Sea caused significant water damage and has suspended all operations at the Jacksonville Beach theater.

Jacksonville Beach’s beloved Players by the Sea has suffered a fire. Community companies like ABET and Greenlight Theatre are directly affected. The show must go on—but later.

There’s something special when the audience hums along to 'You’ve Got a Friend.' Carole King’s 'Beautiful' lives onstage at the Alhambra.

Limelight’s 'Sense and Sensibility' Brims with Chemistry, Comedy and Regency Charm | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Limelight’s *Sense and Sensibility* blends Regency charm with sharp comedy and heartfelt performances in a magnetic adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic.

Limelight Theatre revives Austen’s classic with energy, elegance and humor. 'Sense and Sensibility' is a hit.
🎟 Read the full review: jaxplays.org/reviews/2025...

A Visual Spectacle: 'Les Misérables' at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Experience the breathtaking spectacle of *Les Misérables* at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts. A timeless tale of redemption, love and revolution brought to life with stunning visuals a...

Three hours. All sung. Every second compelling. 'Les Misérables' proves why it’s one of the most enduring musicals in theatre history.

From the Netherworld to Northeast Florida: 'Beetlejuice' Haunts the Stage in 2026 | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Broadway’s most mischievous musical is headed to Jacksonville. Beetlejuice brings big laughs, bigger visuals and a whole lot of afterlife energy to the stage May 12–17, 2026. Here’s why this weird, wi...

Dead funny, seriously good.💀 'Beetlejuice' is haunting Jacksonville for 8 shows only. Get ready for songs, sandworms and snark!

Faith, Trauma and Mystery Collide in 'Agnes of God' at Lumen Repertory Theatre | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Faith, trauma and mystery collide in Lumen’s *Agnes of God*, a riveting production filled with raw performances and stunning atmosphere

With a dreamlike set and raw, authentic performances, Lumen Repertory Theatre’s 'Agnes of God' leaves a lasting impression. @theatrecritics.bsky.social Our full review:

'Ride the Cyclone' at The 5 & Dime Is a Haunting, Hilarious Journey Beyond the Grave | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Ride the Cyclone at The 5 & Dime is a hauntingly fun, must-see musical with stellar performances and eerie visuals. A darkly hilarious afterlife journey!

This Ride the Cyclone cast brings the afterlife to life in the best way. From Terry Star’s show-stopping Noel Gruber/Monique Gibeau to Naomi Shae Randolph’s unforgettable “Sugar Cloud,” here’s how they made magic:

Austin Welles’ Karnak is “sardonic, unsettling and deeply captivating.” Jo Lynn Fletcher’s Jane Doe is “spellbinding.” 'Ride the Cyclone' at The 5 & Dime is a theatrical experience like no other. jaxplays.org/reviews/2025...

Faith, Trauma and Mystery Collide in 'Agnes of God' at Lumen Repertory Theatre | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Faith, trauma and mystery collide in Lumen’s *Agnes of God*, a riveting production filled with raw performances and stunning atmosphere

An ethereal set, exquisite performances and a script that blurs the line between faith and psychology — our review of 'Agnes of God' at Lumen Repertory Theatre. @theatrecritics.bsky.social

'Ride the Cyclone' at The 5 & Dime Is a Haunting, Hilarious Journey Beyond the Grave | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Ride the Cyclone at The 5 & Dime is a hauntingly fun, must-see musical with stellar performances and eerie visuals. A darkly hilarious afterlife journey!

The 5 & Dime and Swoop Troupe's 'Ride the Cyclone' is a wild, darkly comedic journey through fate, regret and the afterlife. Our review explores its haunting beauty and stellar performances.

Faith, Trauma and Mystery Collide in 'Agnes of God' at Lumen Repertory Theatre | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Faith, trauma and mystery collide in Lumen’s *Agnes of God*, a riveting production filled with raw performances and stunning atmosphere

Is Sister Agnes a miracle or a tragedy? 'Agnes of God' at Lumen Repertory Theatre wrestles with the limits of faith and reason. @theatrecritics.bsky.social

Faith, Trauma and Mystery Collide in 'Agnes of God' at Lumen Repertory Theatre | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Faith, trauma and mystery collide in Lumen’s *Agnes of God*, a riveting production filled with raw performances and stunning atmosphere

Three women, one unspeakable crime and a tangle of faith and doubt. Lumen Repertory Theatre’s 'Agnes of God' delivers powerhouse performances. @theatrecritics.bsky.social

Faith, Trauma and Mystery Collide in 'Agnes of God' at Lumen Repertory Theatre | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Faith, trauma and mystery collide in Lumen’s *Agnes of God*, a riveting production filled with raw performances and stunning atmosphere

'Agnes of God' at Lumen Repertory Theatre is a gripping collision of faith, trauma and mystery. Read our review of this haunting and beautifully staged production. @theatrecritics.bsky.social

WJCT to Screen National Theatre's Acclaimed Hit 'The Motive and the Cue' | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Jacksonville audiences will get an exclusive chance to experience a critically praised production from London’s renowned National Theatre with WJCT Public Media’s screening of The Motive and the Cue. ...

Exclusive Jacksonville event! WJCT hosts @National Theatre’s critically praised 'The Motive and the Cue', directed by Oscar winner Sam Mendes. March 19 at WJCT Studios. jaxplays.org/news/2025/03/13/wjct-to-screen-national-theatres-acclaimed-hit-the-motive-and-the-cue/

Limelight Theatre's 'The Drowsy Chaperone' is a Hilarious, High-Energy Escape | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Limelight Theatre’s *The Drowsy Chaperone* is a hilarious, meta-musical filled with dazzling performances, over-the-top antics and pure theatrical joy.

The Drowsy Chaperone at Limelight Theatre is a high-energy, hilarious tribute to classic musicals! 🎭 From dazzling showstoppers to blindfolded roller-skating, this production is pure theatrical joy. Read our full review: jaxplays.org/reviews/2025... @theatrecritics.bsky.social

A night of laughter and storytelling is coming to St. Augustine! Tony Hale, the Emmy-winning actor behind Buster Bluth and Gary Walsh, will take the stage at Limelight Theatre’s fundraiser on March 2 at the Lewis Auditorium at Flager College. buff.ly/4khzkrO

Tony Hale to Share Insights on Comedy Career at Limelight Theatre Fundraiser | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Emmy Award-winning actor Tony Hale is slated to discuss his illustrious career in comedy during a special event hosted by Limelight Theatre at the [[venue:Lewis Auditorium]] at Flager College on March...

Catch Tony Hale live on March 2 at Lewis Auditorium! A night where comedy meets career talk, with insights from one of TV’s favorite comedians. 🌟 Get your tickets now! #TonyHale

'West Side Story' at Alhambra Theatre & Dining is a Visceral, Passionate Revival of a Timeless Tragedy | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA Few musicals carry the emotional weight and timeless urgency of [[production:2025 West Side Story]], and [[theatre:Alhambra Theatre & Dining]]’s latest production delivers a stirring, high-energy inte...

Love. Hate. Tragedy. The timeless tale of West Side Story is more powerful than ever at Alhambra Theatre & Dining. A stunning production that reminds us why this classic still hits home. 💔✨ #WestSideStory #Musicals

Theatre Jacksonville’s 'The Women of Lockerbie' Balances Emotional Depth and Visual Beauty | JaxPlays: Live Theatre in Northeast FL & Southeast GA The stunning production of *The Women of Lockerbie* at Theatre Jacksonville combines stellar performances with breathtaking set and lighting design.

'The Women of Lockerbie' at Theatre Jacksonville is an emotional journey you won’t forget. With breathtaking set design and powerful performances, this production is a must-see. jaxplays.org/reviews/2025...