From Limelight Theatre
St. Augustine, FL — Limelight Theatre is celebrating 25 years of community theatre in St. Augustine and St. Johns County during its 2016-17 season, which opens in September with the musical Oklahoma!
“As in past years, the season is built around famous playwrights, your favorites, and new plays presented for the first time in Florida,†explained Scott Bartosch, the President of Limelight’s Board of Directors.
Other shows on stage during the 25th season are Cotton Patch Gospel (musical), Hedda Gabler (drama), The Mystery of Irma Vep (comedy), I Ought To Be In Pictures (comedy), The Nance (drama/comedy), and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (musical).
“Our Silver Anniversary season will feature I Ought To Be In Pictures, the very first play presented by Limelight 25 years ago,†Bartosch said.
Co-founded by Anne Kraft and Jean Rahner, the Limelight Theatre staged its first production on August 28, 1992, in the Monson Bayfront Inn. It provided entertainment at this location for almost two years. In 1994, the Limelight became a nonprofit.
In 2001, Limelight purchased a 10,000 square foot building at its current locations in uptown St. Augustine, 11 Old Mission Ave. It was converted into a 125-seat theater called the Matuza Main Stage.
In 2006, the Limelight applied for and received a Cultural Facilities Grant of $398,000 from the State of Florida. The money was used for capital improvements including a new roof, new air-conditioning, heating, sound and lighting systems, lobby and restroom renovations, and a black box space that seats 75-90, called the Koger-Gamache Studio Theatre.
NEW LOGO
Celebrating 25 years, Limelight Theatre has a new logo created by Design Extensions, a digital marketing agency that was established in St. Augustine in 1999. The company specializes in branding, web design and development, printing, and online marketing services (designextensions.com).
The logo features two lions named Pounce de Leon and Pawdro Menendez. The lions are a nod to St. Augustine’s own beloved lion statues at the Bridge of Lions. Limelight has carved out its own history in the Ancient City, bringing live theatre to the community for 25 years.
OKLAHOMA!
In the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the 20th century, two young cowboys vie with an evil ranch hand and a traveling peddler for the hearts of the women they love. This musical will run Sept. 22-Oct. 23 on the Matuza Main Stage.
The 25th Season Opening Party will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Raintree Restaurant and Limelight Theatre. Dinner will be served at Raintree, and the show will follow at Limelight. Champagne, desserts, and meet-the-cast will be part of the event. Cost is $60 per person.
EARLY BIRD SUBSCRIPTIONS
In addition to individual show tickets, subscriptions are available. An Early Bird subscription is offered through June 10, 2016 for $285, which includes two tickets to each show. Regular subscription price is $364.
Tickets are all Limeight shows are $26 for adults, $24 for seniors, $20 for military and students, and a free child ticket (12 and younger) with each full price adult ticket.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and on Terrific Tuesdays; and 2 p.m. for Sunday matinee.
For reservations, pick your favorite seats online at limelight-theatre.org or call 904-825-1164.
Limelight Theatre is located at 11 Old Mission Ave., in uptown St. Augustine. Free parking is available street side and onsite.
25th Season
Oklahoma!
Musical
- September 23-October 23, 2016
- 25TH SEASON PARTY: September 21 at Raintree Restaurant ($60 for dinner and the show. Not included in subscription.)
- Preview: September 22
- Terrific Tuesday: September 27
In the Oklahoma territory at the turn of the 20th century, two young cowboys vie with an evil ranch hand and a traveling peddler for the hearts of the women they love.
Cotton Patch Gospel
Musical
- December 2-31, 2016
- Preview: December 1
- Terrific Tuesday: December 6
Presented in a setting of rural Georgia with country music songs by Harry Chapin. Herod is the mayor of Atlanta and, inevitably, Christ is lynched by local thugs only to rise again.
Hedda Gabler
Drama
- January 27-February 19, 2017
- Preview: January 26Terrific Tuesday: January 31
Henrik Ibsen’s great social drama of a caged woman in the late 19th century explores her tormented desire for escape and her yearning for individual and spiritual freedom.
The Mystery of Irma Vep
Comedy
- March 10-April 2, 2017
- Preview: March 9
- Terrific Tuesday: March 14
A sympathetic werewolf, a vampire and an Egyptian princess brought to life when her tomb is opened make this a comedy that has everything! Two actors play all the roles!
I Ought To Be In Pictures
Comedy
- April 21-May 14, 2017
- Preview: April 20
- Terrific Tuesday: April 25
This was Limelight Theatre’s FIRST show, on stage 25 years ago! The Neil Simon play tells the story of a 19-year-old New Yorker who moves to Hollywood to become an actress and find her father, a screenwriter.
The Nance
Drama/Comedy/with music
- June 2-25, 2017
- Preview: June 1
- Terrific Tuesday: June 6
The Nance recreates the naughty, raucous world of burlesque’s heyday and tells the backstage story of Chauncey Miles and his fellow performers.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Musical
- July 21-August 20, 2017
- Preview: July 20
- Terrific Tuesday: July 25
An eclectic group of six students vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime.
