24/25 SEASON
BRINGING the best!
THIS SUMMER, JOIN SIGNIFICANT PRODUCTIONS IN TURNING UP THE VOLUME IN OUR HOMETOWN!
As a new non-profit organization, it will take the support of our community to keep the arts alive. We need your help to continue bringing the best world-class performing artists to our community.
In order to bring the best artistic experience to our artists and audiences, SigPro has launched its first fundraising campaign “Bringing The Best” to raise artistic funds for our 2024-2025 season.
Your generous donations will help SigPro bring a lineup of show-stopping performances that will have everyone talking! During this campaign, your donation will go towards reaching a $25,000 summer goal to help continue bringing more shows you’ll LOVE!
ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT!
Let’s make this season one for the spotlight!
SUPPORT the arts
All donations make a significant impact, and our donors will be recognized regularly. As a special thank you, we have several incentives as the campaign gets underway.
DONATIONS OF $100 or more will be entered to win an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour with Whitney Morse, co-founder of Significant Productions.
DONATIONS OF $2,000 or more will be entered to win a VIP evening with Whitney Morse, cofounder of Significant Productions.
THE SCOOP
Terri Clark Star Shanties
The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra 24/25 Season
The Sharon Subscriptions Dubé Diamond Exit Laughing The Studio Season 9
FROM PAYING HER DUES AT TOOTSIE’S ORCHID LOUNGE IN NASHVILLE to holding the honor of being the only Canadian female member of the Grand Ole Opry, Terri Clark continues to build an unforgettable legacy primed for the history books of Country music. The multi-JUNO Award winner boasts over five million albums sold, three RIAA Platinum and two RIAA Gold-certified albums, Canadian Gold, Platinum, Double Platinum and Triple Platinum-certified albums, 13 Top 10 singles including six No.1s in Canada and the U.S., 19 CCMA Awards and multiple ACM and CMA Female Vocalist of the Year award nominations. Clark also hosts the internationally syndicated, CMA and ACM Award nominated radio show, “Country Gold with Terri Clark,” which can be heard on radio stations across the USA and Canada. In 2018, Clark was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame and most recently in 2023, she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.
23
"WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH."
NERDIST
STAR SHANTIES: SONGS FROM A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY premiered at the 2022 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. Inspired by the Star Wars universe, the theatrical production was written and directed by Arthur Rowan (book, music, and lyrics), and co-produced by Arthur Rowan and Ashley Willsey.
"A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…" The Wretched Hive - a "100% totally legitimate cargo ship" - is stranded on a backwater system in the Outer Rim. Its smuggler crew has no other recourse but to perform some of their favorite shanties in order to raise the credits for repairs. Featuring songs such as Old Man Thrawn, Running Down from Kessel, and Hondo Ohnaka, it's a shanty showcase of galactic proportions.
CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARD: BEST MUSICAL, ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL 2022
ORLANDO SENTINEL: BEST OF THE FEST, ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL 2022
ORLANDO WEEKLY: BEST OF THE FEST, ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL 2022
PATRON’S PICK: ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL 2022
AUG 30 7PM
A NOTE FROM PASQUALE VALERIO, MAESTRO
It is truly a pleasure to be able to share the stage with extraordinary artists of international level. This year I will have artists who live in Florida who are our resident artists who give an exceptional contribution to everything that is the Family Concert and the Pops Concerts in September. For the Labor Day Concert and for the Holiday Concert with me there will be: Ali Molnar, Marcella Richardson, Samantha Barnes Daniel, Clark Barrios, Norman Lee Schaffer, Sean Stork.
For the October celebrations our Concetta will be dedicated to American/Italian music and international songs with extraordinarily talented guests; Samantha Barnes Daniel (Soprano) the return of an exceptional tenor Mark Antonio de Villiers and our Sean Stork (Baritone).
January 2025, the classical season will feature an extraordinary pianist who will perform Mozart's Concerto No. 20 in D minor, he is Renato Balsadonna, conductor and former director of the choir of the Royal Opera House at Covent Garden in London UK.
For the February concert, we celebrate the Valentine's Day holiday with an extraordinary violinist who has already enchanted our
24/25 SEASON
SEP
1-MAY 10
CHOOSE AT LEAST 4 SHOWS & GET 10% OFF GET ALL 9 SHOWS & GET 15% OFF
audience at The Sharon, Gennaro Desiderio returns for this concert which will see him protagonist of extraordinarily beautiful musical themes.
March 2025 the return of Antonio Pompa Baldi and Emanuela Friscioni who will perform the concert for four hands by the Czech composer Leopold Koželuch, in the second part of the concert the orchestra will perform Beethoven's fourth symphony.
April 2025, amazing soloists for Beethoven's triple concert for violin - cello - piano and orchestra with Fabrizio Falasca Violin, David Calhoun Cello and Anastasiia Rud piano, in the second part of the concert the orchestra will perform Brahms' second symphony.
Traditionally the season will end with the Opera Gala where we will perform the magical moments of the operatic scenes with extraordinary guests.
The Sharon L Morse is a particular theater for me, as I personally experience the tradition and love of the people who wanted this Performing Art Center. The Villages community audience is extraordinarily beautiful and the city expresses a lot of devotion for music in the broad sense of the word and therefore those who perform in this theater experience all this in an ideal platform for every performer.
The programming of the 2024-2025 season continues to evolve with new musical themes in both the symphonic and pops repertoire. Every new season we propose new pages of musical literature and we implement our guests by proposing internationally renowned soloists to our audience.
CIRQUE KALABANTÉ
JAN 14, 2025 • 7pm
$40 AND UP | $20 LIMITED VIEW
INDIVIDUAL SHOW ON SALE JUN 5
CZECH NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
JAN 16, 2025 • 7pm
$40 AND UP | $20 LIMITED VIEW
INDIVIDUAL SHOW ON SALE JUN 12
CHINA
PEKING ACROBATS
MAR 12, 2025 • 7pm
$35 AND UP | $20 LIMITED VIEW
INDIVIDUAL SHOW ON SALE JUN 19
VELOCITY IRISH DANCE
MAR 26, 2025 • 7pm
$35 AND UP | $20 LIMITED VIEW
INDIVIDUAL SHOW ON SALE JUN 26
DUBÉ & DIAMONDDUELING IMPERSONATORS
Immerse yourself in a whirlwind of legendary music and laughter with the DUBÉ & DIAMOND show for all ages! This daring duo of singing impressionists with a 5-octave range and very different musical styles promises you a one-of-a-kind experience.
Accompanied by renowned guitarist, Réjean “Rej.E” LaChance, Martin Dubé and Steeve Diamond imitate the greatest hits of your favorite artists, from Adele to Tom Jones, Andrea Bocelli to Axl Rose, the Bee Gees to the Eagles and many more.
This globetrotting musical duo challenge each other in an epic intergenerational battle in this thrilling experience. Their bond is palpable and their energy is contagious, for 90 minutes of pure pleasure! Come experience the vocal fireworks of rock, pop and disco medleys that will have you dancing.
BEHIND THEcurtain tour
Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of your favorite shows at The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center? Want to share footprints with some of the world’s biggest stars? Our Behind The Curtain Tour is for you!
Join a group of like-minded members of your community and your tour guide for a look at the history of The Sharon, her namesake, and the systems and people that make your hometown Performing Arts Center world-class.
You’ll see, hear about, and have the opportunity to ask questions about:
• Sharon L. Morse, the matriarch of the Morse Family, and in many respects, The Villages itself.
• The History of The Sharon (and Church on the Square).
• A brief overview of the inner workings of the commercial theatre business.
• Audiovisual systems, including digital audio networks and workflows.
• Lighting systems, including conventional and intelligent lighting fixtures and electrical distribution and control.
• Rigging systems, including the world’s first fully automated fly system.
• Theatrical cast, crew, and patron safety.
• Backstage areas, like the scene shop, green room, and dressing areas.
UPCOMING DATES
• August 7th | 1PM
• August 14th | 1PM
• August 28th | 1PM Visit SignificantProductions.org
SEASON 9
By
PaulElliott
When friendship is truly “urned.”
Meet Connie, Leona, Millie, and Mary, a fabulous foursome akin to the Golden Girls. These sassy southern ladies have gathered for the past thirty years for giggles, gossip, and girltime at their weekly bridge soiree. When Mary passes away the group wants to honor their dearly departed with one more unforgettable escapade. In a moment of spirited spontaneity, they decide to borrow her ashes from the funeral parlor for one last card game together. What follows is an evening filled with laughter, unexpected surprises, and a newfound appreciation for the joy of living life to the fullest. Have a cocktail with your friends and make a toast to life while you enjoy this hilarious heartwarming comedy that will have you dying from laughter.
NOW-AUG 24th | $40
SEASON 9
In
Search of Latinidad.
THE VOTE
By Bernardo Cubría
In Search of Latinidad.
Previews / $25 SEP 24th-26th
Performances / $40 SEP 27th-OCT 19th
From award winning playwright Bernardo Cubría (Neighbors: a Fair Trade Agreement) comes a new satirical comedy: The Vote. University Professor Paola Aguilar wants to become a mother and desperately needs money for...well, she’ll tell you. So when THE Political Party offers her a substantial paycheck to help them understand the Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote, she reluctantly takes the job. Can she help these political strategists understand all of the nuances of her community to save the election? Come help Paola make the biggest decision of her life. Will her own journey ultimately be more important than pinché politics?
PLAYWRIGHT Q&A!
Subscribers / $10
Non-Subscribers / $15 OCT 12th / 1PM
PLAYWRIGHT & DIRECTOR Q&A!
Bernardo Cubría & Joshian Morales
Join Bernardo Cubría, acclaimed playwright, and Joshian Morales, seasoned Director, the creative forces behind Season 9's first production, The Vote. Prepare for an engaging Question and Answer session, where we delve into Bernardo's rich repertoire of achievements as a playwright, exploring the intricate layers of his award-winning, politically charged plays. Discover Joshian's directorial insights, as he shares the journey that led him to helm The Vote.
Bernardo Cubría was recently nominated for best playwright for the Stage Raw Awards, The Ovation Awards and The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards for his play The Giant Void In My Soul. He was the co-writer of the short Spanish Class that won Best Comedy at The NBC Universal Shorts Awards in 2018. His play, Neighbors: A Fair Trade Agreement was a Semi-Finalist for the O'Neil in 2017. It received a world premiere at INTAR in NYC in the fall of 2017. In 2016, The Judgment of Fools received three critically acclaimed productions in NYC, LA, and Houston, TX. The Redhead is Coming was featured at F*ckfest at The Brick in NYC in 2015. As an actor, he has performed at theatres including The Public, Rattlestick, and INTAR. TV & Film Credits include: NCIS:LA, Lucifer, Criminal Minds, Coco.
WHEN WE WERE Young & Unafraid
by Sarah Treem
SEASON 9
Previews / $25 NOV 12th-14th
Performances / $40 NOV 15th-DEC 14th
WHEN WE WERE YOUNG & UNAFRAID
By Sarah Treem
Fresh breakfast, warm bed, new beginnings.
In the early 1970s before women had places to turn in times of distress, they had to rely on a secret network of good samaritans. In When We Were Young and Unafraid, Agnes has turned her quiet bed and breakfast into one of the few spots where abused women can seek refuge. But to Agnes’ dismay, her latest young runaway, Mary Anne, is having a profound and questionable influence on Penny, Agnes’ teenage daughter. And as the drums of the feminist revolution grow louder, Agnes is forced to confront her own presumptions about the people she’s been trying to help. Deeply moving and beautifully rendered, When We Were Young and Unafraid explores the cycle of abuse, the passion of youth, the wisdom of age, and the people who awaken us to new possibilities.
Fresh breakfast, warm bed, new beginnings.
PIPPIN
Book by Roger O. Hirson
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
We’ve got magic to do!
PIPPIN is a captivating and surprising romp of a musical. This darkcomedy tells the story of King Charlemagne’s son, Pippin, as he embarks on a quest to find his true identity and purpose. This magical musical features an infectiously unforgettable score from four-time Grammy winner, three-time Oscar winner and musical theatre giant, Stephen Schwartz. Follow Pippin on his journey to be extraordinary and find his “Corner of the Sky.” Along the way he seeks the “Glory” of the battlefield, the “Morning Glow” from the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power. His enthralling odyssey explores the realms of good and evil, reality and fantasy. “Join us… we’ve got magic to do, just for you.”
QUALIA
SEASON 9
Previews / $25 APR 1st-3rd, 2025
Performances / $40 APR 4th-26th, 2025
By Ashleigh Ann Gardner
A Radioactive Love Story
Qualia, a post-nuclear play by Central Florida playwright and Studio Theatre veteran, Ashleigh Ann Gardner, is a dystopian story set 100 years in the future. The world has been decimated by toxic radiation save a few lingering humans. Alex lives alone safely tucked away in a bunker made by her doomsday prepping parents. Her only companion is Dom, a compassionate AI program engineered by her late mother. Alex and Dom are the only sentient creatures for miles. Until one day a knock outside the bunker door turns their safe world upside down. This intelligent and modern play explores the formula for being human. Is using logic, expressing emotion, and feeling love enough; or is a traditional corporeal form also required? Join us for this funny and honest science fiction play about finding what it means to be human in an isolated world.
PLAYWRIGHT Director QA
Subscribers / $10
Non-Subscribers / $15
APR 10th / 1PM
PLAYWRIGHT & DIRECTOR Q&A!
Ashleigh Ann Gardner & Sara Oliva
Join us for an exciting evening with the creative minds behind the acclaimed play Qualia: a post-nuclear play. This lively Q&A session will feature Ashleigh Ann Gardner, the brilliant playwright, and Sara Oliva, the visionary director who first brought Qualia to life.
Ashleigh Ann Gardner is an Orlando-based playwright whose works include the award-winning Qualia, produced in both Orlando and Chicago. She also created The Not: a Midwestern Gothic horror, which premiered in 2023. Ashleigh holds a Master’s Degree in Literary, Cultural, and Textual Studies with specializations in Victorian and Gothic literature, gender studies, and psychoanalytic theory from the University of Central Florida.
Sara Oliva is an Orlando-based director, actor, and producer who directed the first reading of Qualia in 2019. Her award-winning short film has been a hit at over 65 international festivals. Sara has received multiple acting awards and holds an MFA in Acting from Brandeis University.
Don’t miss this chance to engage with Ashleigh Ann Gardner and Sara Oliva and gain unique insights into the creation and direction of Qualia.
Significant Productions is a Not-for-Profit Arts organization that operates The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center (The Sharon) and The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol (The Studio).
SignificantProductions.org #SigPro marketing@significantproductions.org 1000 Main Street, Suite 208, The Villages, FL 32159
The Sharon L. Morse Performing Arts Center has a mission to curate and present a variety of world-class performing arts in order to enrich the cultural offerings of The Villages® and surrounding communities.
TheSharon.com | #TheSharon 1051 Main Street, The Villages, FL 32159
Our mission is to inspire the residents of Central Florida to examine relevant issues by elevating them through innovative and intimate storytelling. Think outside the box, inside the box at The Studio Theatre™.
TheSharonStudio.com | #TheStudioTheatreTDS 806 San Marino Dr, The Villages, FL 32159