New Broadway shows and revitalized classics are capturing and holding our imaginations. With the rest of the world going digital, theater-goers increasingly crave watching actors bring stories to life on stage.
The Manatee Performing Arts Center showcases a different spectacle every few weeks, culminating in a sensational, awe-inspiring, and meticulously selected season of performances. The venue is in the center in Bradenton, the crown gem of Anna Maria Island’s treasured artistic scene.
What does the Manatee Players season look like? Some iconic returning favorites are coming back into the spotlight, while the season schedule is complemented by some underrated holiday productions.
Below are a few of the most dazzling Manatee Performing Arts Center events, current and upcoming near our City of Anna Maria vacation rentals.
Elf – The Musical
Fan-favorite, Elf – the Musical, is a modern holiday classic. Forever-immortalized in Will Ferrell’s quirky, heartwarming film, Elf follows the exploits of a joyously-positive human named Buddy, who grew up shaped and formed by Santa Claus himself. He heads to New York City to find his real father, a cynical businessman burdened by the corporate world.
The Manatee performing arts complex in Bradenton, Florida, strives to deliver a few family-friendly holidays shows every year, and Elf is the perfect addition to the roster.
The Jack Frost Holiday Revue
The Jack Frost Holiday Revue is a family-friendly event with dancing, music, and plenty of nostalgia. The show is hosted by a holiday favorite, Jack Frost, and covers a number of classic vignettes, including the space adventures of Little Red Rocket Hood and the Three Little Pigs. This exclusive event runs from December 21 to 32 only – don’t miss it! This play is a fantastic way to get everyone in the holiday spirit.
Mary Poppins
Mary Poppins is the peak of feel-good magic all year long. The story has been told time and time again, and the Manatee Center brings out all the stops for this whimsical classic.
Mary Poppins comes to aid a busy businessman with his many children. She teaches the kids to clean through the art of song and meets Burt, the eager floor sweeper with a heart of gold.
The play is known for its whimsical set design and glorious anthems. Watch as the performing arts centers in Florida bring to stage one of the most heartwarming stories ever told.
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Ain’t Misbehavin’ takes a look at the Harlem Renaissance, a period in the 1920s and ‘30s, in this rambunctious production. Take a step back in time to the New York City borough of Harlem, where some of the best jazz and swing – “the people’s music” – originated. American music today continues to pay homage to the leaders of New York City’s black musical movement of the 20th century.
The Full Season Schedule
The 2018-19 Broadway season at the center is spectacular. Here is the full list of upcoming performances:
- Elf – the Musical, November 29 to December 16, 2018
- Pirates of Penzance, January 10 to 27, 2019
- Mary Poppins, February 14 to March 3, 2019
- Ain’t Misbehavin’, March 21 to April 7, 2019
- Barnum, April 25 to May 12, 2019
Manatee Performing Arts Center events encompass a delightful mix of genres, including funny holiday classics, dark and witty tales of pirate terror, and happy-go-lucky stories like Mary Poppins.
The Manatee Performing Arts Center is a showcase of some of the most talented local Sarasota players both learning and fine-tuning their craft. You can see it all unfold all season long.
Book Your Anna Maria Island Rental
Don’t miss out on these tales of magic and hope for the holidays and beyond. Contact us for more exciting upcoming events on Anna Maria Island and in Sarasota. Take a look at our Anna Maria Island rental homes and plan your stay on Anna Maria!
