Bible stories, political corruption, love, war, death and laughs – are all part of the Ocala Civic Theatre’s upcoming 2018-19 season.
The OCT has been entertaining Central Florida audiences for more than 60 years and continues that tradition with a variety of comedy, drama and music this season. Here are the productions and dates:
“Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Sept. 6-30: An early hit musical by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, now celebrating its 50th anniversary. It’s a rocking version of the Bible story about Joseph and his coat of many colors.
“Born Yesterday,” Oct. 18-Nov. 11: Judy Holiday became a star in the early 1950s, starring in this Garson Kanin social and political comedy. It tells of bullying business tycoon Harry Brock, who comes to Washington to bribe big shots into crooked deals. Billie Dawn is his “ditzy” gal-pal who smartens up with the help of an idealistic young tutor named Paul Verrall, played by William Holden in the movie.
“Beyond Glory,” Nov. 15-18: Broadway’s Stephen Lang will portray eight Medal of Honor recipients from World War II, Korea and Vietnam. It is an intense production and contains strong profanity and content.
“First Date,” Jan. 10-20, 2019: Aaron and Casey meet on a blind date and find love the hard way in this sometimes outrageous musical by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner. Contains strong profanity and sexual innuendo.
“She Loves Me,” Feb. 7-March 3: A musical based on classic motion pictures. Among the stars who are saluted: Judy Garland, Van Johnson, Jimmy Stewart, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Music by Jerry Bock; lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and book by Joe Masteroff.
“Silent Sky,” March 7-17: Tells the inspiring story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt and her female coworkers at Harvard University in the early 1900s.
“Eternity,” March 28-April 21: Life ain’t easy for the Grim Reaper. Abe’s job is escorting dead people to the afterlife and this is one escort service nobody wants. It was written by Michael Cochran.
“The Addams Family: A New Musical,” May 16-June 9: The family is as “creepy and kooky” as ever in this musical by Andrew Lippa, with a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. The whole Addams gang is back, including Uncle Fester, Morticia, Gomez, Pugsley, Lurch and Grandma.
The Ocala Civic Theatre is located at 4337 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala. Box office hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. For more information call 352-236-2274 or visit http://ocalacivictheatre.com/.
