It’s no secret that The Palm Beaches are home to some amazing large venues and big-name performing arts companies like Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Palm Beach Dramaworks, to name just a few. They bring in major productions (or create their own) and, in most cases, command a large following.
However, what makes this destination so unique is the quality of work on display in our smaller performing arts companies. The spaces may be smaller, and the casts of people not as large, but they still do a stand-up job of delivering rare talent while capturing the true essence of the arts. We’re highlighting a few of these organizations below, but feel free to browse our online events calendar for more.
Lake Worth Playhouse
South Florida’s premier Community Theater, Lake Worth Playhouse is located in the heart of Downtown Lake Worth Beach. The playhouse has been wowing audiences since the early 1920s. This is evident in the vintage vibe one may get upon walking through the doors of the popular theater.
Lake Worth Playhouse is celebrated for their year-round programming that features (but is not limited to) comedians, musicals, award-winning dramas, and Broadway favorites. In any given month, one can watch drag queens and entertainers perform for the title of Miss Palm Beach Pride, or dive headfirst into a rousing production of Heathers: The Musical. During their seventy-first season,the playhouse will showcase two of the most recognizable musicals by theatergoers: West Side Story in July and Rent in October.
By the way, if you ever need to scratch your indie or foreign film itch, the playhouse is also home to the Stonzek Theater, which has an intimate black-box style theater for your viewing pleasure.
Boca Ballet Theater Company
If you stop in Boca Raton, make sure to see a production by the Boca Ballet Theater Company. The famous company was formed in 1990, so that means that they has been captivating audiences for over thirty years. Founded by a group of family members, Boca Ballet’s artistic direction comes from Dan Guin and Jane Tyree. Adding to their successful run of shows, their upcoming production of Giselle will be in full effect. Helmed as “one of the most beloved ballets of all time”, Giselle creatively tells the tale of a peasant girl falling in love with a nobleman disguised as a villager.
Buying a ticket to attend one of their shows does have its perks. As a season ticket holder, you have first choice of seats before tickets go on sale to the general public. Also, if your plans happen to change or you want to invite more friends to the productions, you switch your seats to reflect your new plans because they offer special ticket exchange privileges.
Several of the company’s dancers have made appearances in other professional ballet companies, in addition to popular shows on Nickelodeon and The Disney Channel.
Boca Stage at Sol Theater
Bill Hirschman from Florida Theater on Stage describes shows at Boca Stage at Sol Theater as, “intimate works that take a back seat to no one”—one of the many comments about another Boca Raton gem. The professional theater company was founded in 2014 by artistic director Keith Garsson. His main purpose was to provide an alternative fare to the sophisticated general public and theater connoisseurs alike.
Ending their current eighth season, Boca Stage at Sol Theater is showing three South Florida premieres and an updated classic: two comedies, a drama, and a not-much-talked-about modern ghost story. One production guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat is America’s Sexiest Couple. It’s the story of two actors that played “America’s Sexiest Couple” on a fictional 90s sitcom who reunite for the first time in over 25 years. We all know that anything nostalgic is good, especially if it’s sprinkled with 90s flavor. You still have time to see it! Productions run through April 14th.
Delray Beach Playhouse
Records trace the Delray Beach Playhouse all the way back to 1947. Those who are familiar with the organization refer to it as “the hidden gem on Lake Ida.” Upon entering the theater, guests are treated to plush seats, air conditioning, a spacious children’s theater workshop, and a patio that provides a breathtaking view of Delray’s Lake Ida.
Artistic director Randolph DelLago has held his position for an impressive 33 years, and is continuing the company’s reputation for standout productions. In fact, the playhouse’s recent production of Respect: A Musical Journey of Women won not one but seven awards including Best Direction of a Musical.
Though COVID-19 threatened to take away the aspect of going to a theater and enjoying a live show, whether it be on a large or small scale, it’s no question that local theaters will see an influx in attendance again. We encourage you to see one of these hidden gems soon so you can see what all the hype is about!
Looking for more arts and culture to explore in The Palm Beaches? Download our cultural travel guide today.
Creative artist, journalist, and designer Deon C. Jefferson has worked in the bridal industry for eight years. His work has been seen at New York Bridal Fashion Week, in Trends Magazine, Out and About Southwest Florida, Upscale Magazine, and VEU Magazine. Deon considers himself to be the modern day Renaissance man and lives by the quote from Keith Haring “Art should be something that liberates your soul, provokes the imagination, and encourages people to go further.”
