Last night I stepped into the Winter Park Playhouse for Honky Tonk Angels, and it felt like opening…read morenight on Broadway, transported to Central Florida. The evening shimmered with energy--a perfect overture to the season. From the first note to the final bow, the cast carried us on a journey that pulsed with rhythm, harmony, and heart. Their voices soared, their timing danced, and their presence filled the stage with a brilliance that could rival any marquee in New York or London. Theatre, at its best, is a living symphony--dialogue weaving into song, song flowing into story--and this production captured that cadence flawlessly. As the curtain fell, I was struck by the artistry that thrives here in our own backyard. Having lived in Dubai, Las Vegas, London, and New York, I know the grandeur of global stages. Yet nowhere have I found such a steady stream of performances, each one crafted with care, directed with vision, and performed with soul, as I do here in the world's vacation capital. Heather Alexander and Roy Alan, the founders, discovered a rare niche: a theatre that doesn't rely on spectacle or technology, but on the timeless power of human talent. While Dr. Phillips Center dazzles with scale, the Winter Park Playhouse enchants with intimacy--family spirit, authenticity, and artistry that stands the test of time. This was more than entertainment; it was a celebration of craft, community, and pure theatrical joy. Honky Tonk Angels is a salute to the season and a reminder that the greatest value in Central Florida theatre lies not in spectacle, but in the artistry of performers who give themselves fully to the stage. Don't miss this production--it's a standing ovation waiting to happen.

Here with my Red Hat Society Ladies to see Wreck the Halls, a Christmas themed play. I didn't know…read morethere was a theater here so I'm pleasantly surprised. It's a short walk from several restaurants and bars so you can park in one of the large parking lots. I loved the sitting area in the lobby. Intimate seating behind large picture windows. There is a concession stand with wine available. As a matter of fact, you can pre-order a drink to pick up at intermission. So cool. I'm looking forward to returning in January for the next play.

I'm always drawn to theaters with character, and this one is an architectural gem. While exploring…read morehistoric downtown Sanford, I came upon the Ritz/ Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center which beautifully captures the ornate elegance of 1920's architecture. Originally built in 1923 as the Milane Theatre, this space reflects a golden era of American theater design inspired by European opera houses. You can still feel that sense of grandeur the moment you step inside. It's incredible to think that this theater has lived through so many chapters, from its early days of motion pictures, to its time as the Ritz, and even periods of decline and vacancy, yet still stands today with so much charm intact. What makes this place especially meaningful is its story of revival. Thanks to passionate community efforts and dedicated preservation, the theater has been thoughtfully restored over the years without losing its historic soul. The updates enhance the experience while still honoring its roots, from the marquee to the intimate performance spaces. Today, the Ritz/Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center offers a wide range of performances--from jazz and musicals to tribute bands and films all at very accessible prices. It's not just a venue; it's a living piece of Sanford's history and a true cultural hub for the community. If you appreciate historic architecture, local arts, and places with a story to tell, this theater is absolutely worth a visit.

Easy to get in/out…read more Staff were very friendly Drinks are CHEAP SO CHEAP!!!!! Sat in balcony and had a great view plus there is also a restroom upstairs!

A wonderful production of Tennessee's Williams classic play of love, lust and lies in 'Cat on a Hot…read moreTin Roof'. Kudos to Kirk Klemash and Hadley Reyes in their roles of Big Daddy and Maggie. Thanks to Hideaway Performing Arts Center for bringing back classic theater to a modern audience. Well done, everyone!

I had the good fortune to view their recent production of Christmas Carol and was very impressed…read more The entire cast was talented but special kudos to scrooge and the three ghosts! The scene changes were well executed and the original version of the script was engrossing. Good job all.

I am consistently impressed by Theater Winter Haven. They put on some amazing shows and it's such a…read moregreat community theater. I really enjoyed Frozen and Little Shop of Horrors. Can't wait to go again. We became season ticket holders this year because of how impressive their theater is.

Great theatre with wonderful performances. I've never been disappointed and we've been going for…read moremany years!

Cute little venue with good lights, great sound, fun funky decor, and some really cool shows.read more

Attending the Legally Blonde Jr. Musical with a friend!…read more When I purchased the tickets I didn't pay attention to see that it said "JR" so I was a little surprised at the young cast but it was totally my mistake The theatre was smaller than I expected however I like how close we were and made it feel like we were part of the act. The cast was really good and I had a great time. I look forward to attending another event there maybe a comedy night next time. If you have you do kids or teenagers I'd highly recommend taking them to see this Musical.

This is the theatre on the campus of UCF. I stopped in to see a play that my dear friend was…read moreDirecting, a one act called "The Woods", it was part of their 10th anniversary celebration. At no cost, I was surprised by their quality! Quite possibly one of the best student plays I've had the pleasure of seeing. But this review isn't about the play.. it really is about the theatre, isn't it? Well, it's in an old lecture hall, so the seats are large, the rows are comfortable with plenty of leg room. The stage is wide and the lighting, while at times, oddly places, is both sufficient and efficient. The sound quality (acoustics) was quite pleasant as was the atmosphere of the lobby and box office area. The bathrooms, while dated, offered something you don't see in most bathrooms. Ledges on which to place your purse and a hook. No need to place your purse on the nasty floor! Kudos! I was quite pleased with my experience here.

My husband was searching for a local production of Spring Awakening and stumbled upon Theatre UCF…read more I went to school at UCF many years ago and never once saw a production. At $20 a person for non-students, it is a good value. The performers are student actors with an occasional professional actor. We saw Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Dangerous Liasons). There is plenty of space between rows so no one has to squeeze by. No food or drink is allowed in the theater. The quality of the acting was very good. If you are looking for an affordable alternative to Bob Carr, you might be pleased.

I went here to see Carrie. I really like the theater and the surrounding areas. The theater looks…read morevery nice, the staff is friendly and the seats were very comfortable. The surrounding areas are very nice and are perfect for taking pictures. Parking is a bit challenging, but 5 minutes away from the theater were plenty.

What a great time today at the Annie Russell Theatre in Winter Park at Rollins College to see The…read more39 Steps! Since I can't afford a Renaissance or Eras ticket short of parting with a major organ, blowing 20 bucks to see college theatre will just have to do. Myself and about 50 or so senior citizens sat back to appreciate the chutzpah it takes to get up on a stage and PERFORM. This is a very charming theatre with decent-sized bathrooms. You can purchase concessions at the intermission for $2 each (did someone say Airheads?!?). There is also a shuttle operated by Rollins students that runs from the Truist Parking lot to the theatre and back for those that need it. I highly recommend checking out this lovely theatre and thanks to everyone on-site today who made the experience so much fun.

I've only been here once for the Buddy Holly Story, so this review is based solely on that... But I…read morewouldn't mind returning! Unfortunately for you, all remaining performances of Buddy Holly are completely sold out. ENVIRONMENT This is a nice theater. The lobby is quite nice. There are simple refreshments available for purchase. The seats are sufficiently spacious, padded, and comfy. The way the theater is set up, you can't really get a bad seat. We arrived 2 minutes late for a sold-out show and parking was a bit problematic. I recommend arriving early! BUDDY HOLLY STORY My husband wanted to see this. Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to it. But it was a very good show. The acting performances were much better than I've seen in other theater companies (coughmadcowcough) and the music was a joy to watch. I sat next to an older gentleman who lived during the time period of this show and he very much enjoyed it, saying he wanted to see it again. QUALITY COMPARED TO OTHER LOCAL THEATERS This is the top reason I recommend you make the drive out here. I've been to a few different theaters around the Orlando area and I thought this theater was significantly better. The environment is much more spacious and comfortable, the acting and performance was much more engaging and convincing, and they seem to have either more talented people or more resources to pull off a much better stage and set design, costumes etc. I get the impression these people are professionals.

We saw Grease here last week and I was really impressed by this theatre! It is a little place, but…read moreit has a good sized lobby and they sell snacks and drinks for an incredibly cheap price making this the perfect outing for a family because of its affordability. The staff were so sweet and accommodating and when we sat in our seats, a staff member took the stage to tell us about all the upcoming plays and a little about the theatre. I thought this was such a nice detail and it made me make a mental note to keep tabs on their upcoming shows, many of which sound amazing and are things I can't wait to check out! The theatre itself is small but the stage is decently sized and every seat in the house has a pretty darn good view which is awesome! The production itself was well thought out with attention to detail in the sets, costume design, and the choice of actors. The cast did a phenomenal job and I was super happy with our choice of attending the show for date night! Can't wait to go back :)

I love visiting The Ren for unique, captivating and contemporary theatre work. Part of the fun of…read morevisiting The Ren is discovering which space of their 15k square feet has been transformed and will be used in a custom design to match the current show - or in the case of annual Halloween spectacular Nosferatu, the entire space is turned into a sprawling maze of designed spaces filled with scary, sexy vampires. You can expect to see provocative, inclusive work that will challenge and excite you - and/or let you party into the night. The bartending team is always on point, with custom drinks to fit the show. Parking's easy and free in the AdventHealth garage next to the building. Expect a metal detector on entry and ID check as every show is 18+.

Although I love and support the theatre, I have to say Disco Boots is NOT worth $42. Way too…read moreexpensive and last year was a better production. The main cover should never be this expensive for this kind of event.

Dinner with friends then attending CATS group for the opening "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"…read moresuch a cute story. Thanks for the invitation. A must see production & don't forget a non-perishable can good to be donated. This production had lots of cast members & it all worked. Going to try to catch a couple more times. Extra Bonus: group of the cast children played bells such an extra surprise!!

This is my favorite local theater. The variety and quality of performances is unmatched.read more