140 West Tampa Ave. Venice, Florida 34285
Box Office: 941-488-1115

You just have to see our 2011-2012 Season!

brochure_cover_11_12_for_webSubscribe today!

As a subscriber you’ll save more than 15% off single ticket prices, won’t ever miss a show because it’s sold out, are given first priority in seat selection and guaranteed renewal of your seats year after year. So plan ahead and save!

Scroll down to see what we've got in store for 2011-2012. Decide which season package is best for you. Then call (941) 488-1115 or stop by the box office to purchase a subscription or pass today.


MainStage ($115 for six shows)

(A series of Broadway musicals, comedies and classic dramas in our 432-seat MainStage)

The Dixie Swim Club
September 27 - October 16, 2011

By Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten

A funny and touching comedy about friendships that last forever. Five Southern women, who met many years ago on their college swim team, get together every August at a beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks. Free from husbands, kids and work, they drink, swim and enjoy their long-time friendships.  Described as Steel Magnolias meets Same Time Next Year.

Big River                    
November 1 - 27, 2011

Music by Roger Miller
Lyrics by Roger Miller
Book by William Hauptman
Adapted from the novel by Mark Twain

This epic musical sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming. Propelled by an award-winning score from country music icon Roger Miller, this jaunty journey provides a brilliantly theatrical celebration of pure Americana.

Smokey Joe’s Cafe     
The Songs of Leiber and Stoller 
January 10 - 29, 2012

Words and Music by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller

The longest-running musical revue ever! Featuring nine powerful performers and nearly 40 of the greatest rock ’n’ roll and R & B songs ever recorded.  Exploring the classic themes of love won, lost and imagined, Smokey Joe's Cafe isn't just great music - it's compelling musical theatre.

The Music Man          
February 14 - March 11, 2012

Book, Music & Lyrics by Meredith Willson
Based on a story by Meredith Willson and Franklin Lacey

There’s trouble in River City when fast-talking traveling salesman Professor Harold Hill bursts into this small, quirky Iowa town. Winner of five Tony Awards in 1957, this perennial favorite has stood the test of time.

Stand by Your Van (World Premiere!)
April 3 - 22, 2012

By Craig Baxter and Paul Bourne

See a show – win a truck! This interactive play about competitive hysteria, will-power and a pickup truck has six different endings!  Its “touch-the-truck” competition is reminiscent of the popular dance marathons of 1930s America. Who will be the last one standing?

Driving Miss Daisy
May 8 - 20, 2012

By Alfred Uhry

Alfred Uhry’s sentimental comedy spans 25 years in the lives of a stubborn Southern matriarch and her proud chauffeur.  Winner of the 1988 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and adapted into an Oscar-winning film.


Stage II ($85 for four shows)

(Thought-provoking, contemporary productions in our intimate 90-seat Pinkerton Theatre)

Spring Awakening (Florida Community Theatre Premiere!)
October 6 - 23, 2011

Book and Lyrics by Steven Sater
Music by Duncan Sheik
Based on the play by Frank Wedekind

Winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Spring Awakening revolutionized Broadway in 2007. It’s an unforgettable, uncompromising journey from youth to adulthood told with power, poignancy and passion. (Not recommended for children or pre-teens.)

Almost, Maine
January 5 - 22, 2012

By John Cariani

Throughout the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine, the residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. But the bruises heal, and the hearts mend … almost.

Avenue Q
March 15 - April 15, 2012

Music & Lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx
Book by Jeff Whitty 

Sesame Street meets South Park! This outrageous musical played Broadway for over six years. The story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad, who moves to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. He soon discovers that the only neighborhood in his price-range is Avenue Q. Together, Princeton and his newfound friends struggle to find jobs, dates and their ever-elusive purpose in life. Avenue Q features full puppet nudity! (Not recommended for children.)

The Miser
April 19 - May 6, 2012

By Molière
Adapted by Timothy Mooney

One of the world’s greatest comedies! Greed, lies, conflict and paranoia make this classic as funny today as it was in 1668.


Cabaret ($85 for four shows)

(Light, cabaret-style musicals in our Pinkerton Theatre)

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
August 12 - 28, 2011

Music and Lyrics by William Finn
Book by Rachel Sheinkin

It’s a musical spelling bee! This popular Broadway hit features six quirky adolescents who celebrate what Time Magazine called “the joy of nerdiness”.

Radio Gals
November 4 - 27, 2011

Book, Music and Lyrics by Mike Craver and Mark Hardwick

In Hazel Hunt’s parlor in Cedar Rapids, Arkansas, a wacky quintet of singer/musicians sets listeners’ hearts thumping and toes tapping on WGAL. Relive the hope and abandon of the ‘20s in this exuberant musical comedy.

[title of show] (Florida Community Theatre Premiere!)
December 2 - 18, 2011

Music and Lyrics by Jeff Bowen
Book by Hunter Bell

With just four actors, four chairs and a keyboard, this charming little musical tells the story of two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical. The ultimate show within a show!

Altar Boyz
February 3 - March 4, 2012

Book by Kevin Del Aguila
Music and Lyrics by Gary Adler, Michael Patrick Walker
Conceived By Marc Kessler, Ken Davenport

It’s the final night of the “Raise the Praise” tour! The “boyz” -  Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham - try to save the world one screaming fan at a time.


Generations

(Family-friendly productions based on classic stories featuring performers of all ages)

(Now that Jesus Christ Superstar has closed, subscriptions are no longer available, but single tickets can be purchased for each show.)

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown
September 8 - 25, 2011

buytickets

Based on The Comic Strip "Peanuts" by Charles M. Schulz
Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner
Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer
Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Original Direction for this version of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" by Michael Mayer
Originally Produced in New York by Arthur Whitelaw and Gene Persson

Charles Schulz’s beloved characters live through a single day, flying kites, writing a school essay, learning about life and falling in love.

A Christmas Carol
December 16 - 18, 2011

Original Music by E. Suzan Ott
Lyrics and New Music by Scott Keys
New music arranged and scored by Jason Brenner
Adapted from the original story by Charles Dickens

This musical version of Dickens’ classic tale is now a festive annual tradition at Venice Theatre in its 12th year.

The Phantom Tollbooth
May 17 - 27, 2012

By Susan Nanus
Based on the book by Norton Juster

Adapted from the classic children’s book. We follow Milo through his adventures in the Land of Wisdom as he rescues two princesses from The Land of Ignorance.


PASSES

  • The Golden Ticket - $304 (A $450 value!)

Includes priority seating for every MainStage, Stage II, Cabaret and Generations show. Plus, an exclusive reception, a behind-the-curtain tour and discounts on concerts and at the bar.

  • MainStage Flex Pass - $132

Good for six seats to any shows in our MainStage Series. You choose how to use! Bring six people to one show, three people to two shows, two people to three shows. etc.

  • MainStage Winter Pass - $85

Includes the four MainStage shows in the middle of Season: Big River, Smokey Joe's Cafe, The Music Man and Stand by Your Van.

  • X-Treme Pass - $135

Mix and match! You choose seven shows from MainStage, Stage II, Cabaret and Generations.

Ready to order? Have questions?
Call (941) 488-1115 today!