The Plaza Theatre in Manalapan has announced its 2013-14 lineup, which promises to have something for everyone.
• Brighton Beach Memoirs: Oct. 10-27 — Directed by Andy Rogow, Brighton Beach Memoirs is an entertaining self-portrait of the writer, Neil Simon, as a young teen in 1973, living with his family in a crowded, lower middle class Brooklyn walk-up. Young Eugene Jerome dreams of baseball and girls, but is unhappy with the life he is living. His mother is formidable, his father is never around, and his “worldly” older brother drives him crazy. Throw in his widowed aunt, Blanche, to the mix with her two young daughters, one of whom Eugene lusts for, and you’ve got a recipe for a hilarious show.
• Ain’t Misbehavin’: Nov. 7-24 — The finger-snapping revue depicts the outrageously comedic and musical soul of 1930s Harlem, making it one of Broadway’s best. The show brings to its audience the delightful humor and infectious energy of the great Fats Waller, while a versatile cast sings and dances the songs that he made famous in his career. This musical is sassy, sultry and unforgettable. It is directed by Michael Leeds.
• I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!: Dec. 5-22 — An off-Broadway and international hit, this popular musical dives into the ever-so-popular mating game, exposing the myths and truths behind the dramatic and sometimes comedic world of a relationship. Act I explores the journey from dating and waiting, to love and marriage; while act II reveals the agony and triumphs of the in-laws and newborns, trips in the family car and the pickup techniques of the senior set. It is directed by Kevin Black.
• My Life On A Diet: Jan. 16 through Feb. 9, 2014 — Starring Broadway and Hollywood star Renee Taylor, this brand new show is based on her bestselling book My Life on a Diet: Confessions of a Hollywood Diet Junkie. This comedic masterpiece gives the audience a glimpse into Renee’s life and her lifelong struggles with weight loss, her ability to laugh at herself and others, and some juicy Hollywood gossip, This show is a must-see that will have you laughing until the very last line. It is directed by Joe Bologna.
• Rags: Feb. 20 through March 16, 2014 — A stirring musical about immigration, filled with great passion, humor and a brilliant score. Rags explores the story of Rebecca, a naive Russian immigrant arriving at Ellis Island with her young son, and their struggle to make a life for themselves in the New World. This saga of strength and love, and of greed and power, is a deeply moving and inspirational story. With a book by Joseph Stein (Fiddler on the Roof), lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and music by Charles Strouse (Annie), Rags is sure to move and inspire. It is directed by Andy Rogow.
• Dirty Blonde: March 27 through April 13, 2014 — Claudia Shear’s funny, bawdy play is set in New York City about fans and their obsession with Mae West. The play combines transformation and drama with a fabulous dollop of showbiz magic. Dirty Blonde is a multi-layered study of the nature of stardom, as experienced by one of its icons and two adoring fans. The show finds the enduring substance in the smoke and mirrors of one actress’ stardom, allowing West to shock and delight once again. The New York Times wrote, “Hands down the best new American play of the season… Take off your hats, boys, Mae West is back on Broadway…” Dirty Blonde was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play in 2000. It is directed by Michael Leeds.
Shows will run Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, with Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows beginning nightly at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets for each show cost $45. A subscription for all six shows is available for $225.
Discounted group rates are available. The Plaza Theatre invites you to bring your friends, coworkers and family members to a show and enjoy discounted rates for groups of 10 to 19, at $39 a ticket, while groups of 20 or more pay $36 per ticket.
The Plaza Theatre, a not-for-profit 250-seat theater, is home to a variety of light-hearted shows, with an occasional gripping drama, that aim to please every show-goer. The theater was opened in early 2012 by Alan Jacobson, a Palm Beach Gardens resident who ran the Florida Jewish Theatre for five seasons in the 1990s and then became an independent producer of cabaret shows, musical revues and comedies such as If You Ever Leave Me… I’m Going With You and Down the Garden Path, which played at the Royal Poinciana Playhouse.
The Plaza Theatre is located at 262 S. Ocean Blvd. in Manalapan. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (561) 588-1820 or visit www.theplazatheatre.net.
