THE SCOOP - MAY 2026

Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

THE SCOOP

Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

In this issue...

May & June Shows Hank & My Honky Tonk Heroes Starring Jason Petty The Sharon 26/27 Season Preview Party Donor Appreciation Brunch Beetlejuice Lobby Lounge Cabaret The Sharon Performing Arts Academy Summer Camps The Villages Philharmonic Orchestra The SigPro Studio Ribbon Cutting Only Some of God’s Children or Mississippi Magnolias Nightsweat Season 11

MAY 2026

UPCOMING SHOWS MAY SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

27

28

29

30

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

26/27

DONOR APPRECIATION

SEASON

brunch

Announcement

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

JUNE SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

31

7

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

29

30

1

2

3

4

21

28

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Don’t miss our upcoming 2026/27 Season Announcement!

Mother’s Day, May 10th, 10am

2026-27 SEASON

ONLY ON THESHARON.COM

JASON PETTY CELEBRATES HANK WILLIAMS 100TH BIRTHDAY with his critically acclaimed tribute, “Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes.” Williams penned over 400 country songs depicting the trials and tribulations of the common man and woman. Among his timeless classics are Hey Good Lookin’, Your Cheatin’ Heart, I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry, Jambalaya and I Saw The Light. Williams is credited with creating the style that would influence other artists such as Patsy Cline, George Jones, Merle Haggard and Elvis Presley. He is considered the single most influential person in country music history and is enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Jason Petty has made an impression on New York's Theatre District, starring in 'Hank Williams: Lost Highway,' which played to sold out audiences at the Little Shubert Theater. Audiences and critics alike were taken aback by Petty's amazing acting ability in his portrayal of Hank Williams.

He won rave reviews from all the major critics, including New York Times, Variety and Rolling Stone and won the Obie Award for "Outstanding Actor."

This veteran actor and singer began portraying the country music legend, Hank Williams, in 1996 at the world famous Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, 100 YEARS O HANK Tennessee. Since that time, Petty appeared in national tours of "Lost Highway" and "Hank and My Honky Tonky Heroes."

I was surprised...even stunned... by Petty's forceful, clear-eyed and moving depiction of Williams. The result is the exhilarating feeling of Williams on stage in a particular place on a particular night... a rare achievement.

- Anthony DeCurtis | Rolling Stone Magazine

BOGO TICKETS

USE CODE: HonkyTonkBogo MAY 9

7PM

$35

AND UP

| $30

LIMITED VIEW

Your free sneak peek at The Sharon’s 26/27 Season!

Get a larger than life look at videos and details of the shows selected to be in the International Series, the Broadway Series, and highlights of the concerts and events on The Sharon stage.

MAY 13 • 2pm • FREE THE SHARON LOBBY RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED

DONOR APPRECIATION

brunch

ONLY MAY 15 • 1pm • FREE DONORS THE SHARON LOBBY

Want to join the fun? Become a monthly donor, or contribute a one time $100 gift to attend!

HE EARNED HIS STRIPES ON BROADWAY… NOW THE GHOST-WITH-THE-MOST IS COMING TO THE VILLAGES. It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, BEETLEJUICE is “SCREAMINGLY GOOD FUN!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!

Photos by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

MAY 22 & 23

VARIES

$85

AND UP

| $60

LIMITED VIEW

The Songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein Starring Angie Rose & Sean Pollock This intimate performance in the Sharon Lobby celebrates the unforgettable music of legendary duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, featuring beloved songs from iconic musicals including Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, and The Sound of Music.

With rich vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and a touch of cabaret flair, Angie Rose and Sean Pollock bring new life to these treasured classics—inviting you to laugh, reminisce, and fall in love with these songs all over again. Whether you’re a lifelong Broadway fan or simply love beautiful music, this enchanting evening promises something truly special.

MAY 26 7PM $35

PRIME GEN ADMISSION

| $25

GENERAL ADMISSION

WEEK 1 NE 6

JUNE 1 - JU

WEEK 1 RMANCE O F R E P L A IN F M / $15 JUN 6 / 2:30P

WEEK 2 E 13

JUNE 8 - JUN

WEEK 1 RMANCE FINAL PERFO PM / $15 JUN 13 / 2:30

WEEK 3 NE 27

JUNE 22 - JU

WEEK 1 RMANCE FINAL PERFO PM / $15 JUN 27 / 2:30

OPERA GALA MAGIC MOMENTS OF OPERA SCENES

GUEST ARTISTS:

MARTINA SANNINO, SOPRANO

MAY 16

7PM

DAVIDE BATTINIELLO, TENOR

$43

AND UP

| $30

LIMITED VIEW

SEASON

26 27

SEP 6 - MAY 15

ON SALE NOW // SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS WITH NO CHANGES ON SALE NOW // SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS WITH CHANGES MAY 6 // NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS & INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ON SALE PURCHASE AT LEAST 4 SHOWS & GET 10% OFF* PURCHASE ALL 9 SHOWS & GET 15% OFF SUN, SEP 6, 7PM.....................................................LABOR DAY CELEBRATION POPS TUE, OCT 13, 7PM.................................................AMERICAN ITALIAN CELEBRATION FRI, NOV 20, 7PM........................................................................................ MESSIAH TUE, DEC 15, 7PM................................................................ HOLIDAY CELEBRATION WED, DEC 16, 2 & 7PM......................................................... HOLIDAY CELEBRATION WED, JAN 27, 7PM....................................................................CLASSICAL CONCERT SAT, FEB 13, 7PM...................................AMERICAN MUSIC: CELEBRATION OF LOVE TUE, MAR 9, 7PM......................................................................CLASSICAL CONCERT THUR, APR 1, 7PM.....................................................................CLASSICAL CONCERT SAT, MAY 15, 7PM....................OPERA GALA: MAGIC MOMENTS OF OPERA SCENES

*Black-out date for this subscription is the September Labor Day Celebration Pops Concert.

Purchase at least four concerts excluding the September Concert to receive 10% off your order.

BEHIND THE

curtain tour

Have you ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of your favorite shows at The Sharon Performing Arts Center? Want to share footprints with some of the world’s biggest stars? Our Behind The Curtain Tour is for you!

Book a private Behind the Curtain Tour!

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.

Want to arrange a private tour for your group, club, company, school trip, or cul-de-sac?

Email: Info@SignificantProductions.org All sales require a minimum guest count of 15.

Visit SignificantProductions.org for more information.

WE'RE OPEN! On April 10, 2026, we proudly opened the doors to our new home at The SigPro Studio. Surrounded by community members, supporters, and artists, we celebrated this milestone with a special Ribbon Cutting ceremony. It was a heartfelt moment that honored where we have been and the stories we will share together moving forward! Come see a show and our new home now in Lake Sumter Landing!

SIGNIFICANTPRODUCTIONS.ORG

SEASON 10 Get tickets today!

WORLD PREMIERE

ONLY SOME OF GOD'S CHILDREN OR MISSISSIPPI MAGNOLIAS BY

PARIS CRAYTON III

The lumber and other scenic build materials for this production are proudly sponsored by RoMac Building Supply.

Last week to see this world premiere show!

PERFORMANCES / $35+ NOW-MAY 9, 2026 TALKBACK MAY 7

SEASON 10 Summer Staycation

PREVIEWS / $30+ JUN 16-20, 2026 PERFORMANCES / $35+ JUN 20-AUG 8, 2026 TALKBACKS JUN 25, JUL 9 & 23 ASL PERFORMANCE JUL 21

NIGHTSWEAT

By Natalie Symons

Pre-Elderly Girls Gone Wild Britney Cox, a washed-up actress has been canceled on social media! To hide from the haters her anxious young assistant, Maude Bender, has booked a girl's murder mystery weekend at a Berkshires Airbnb. Joining the fun is Tawny Fitzsimmons, a tired mom, and ex-cop and security detail Dale James. Comic mania ensues when the girl's weekend goes awry. Between pipe bombs, appliances that don't work, slashed tires, a mysterious landlady, and news of a serial killer hunting "pre-elderly women," what more could go wrong? "Bridesmaids" meets "Friday the 13th" in Natalie Symons' hilarious new farce, Nightsweat, as it pokes fun at wokeness, Florida, pronouns, Ozempic, white privilege, "don't say gay," horror movie tropes, fake news, and, of course, Hall & Oats. Book your stay at McCurdy's Haunted Airbnb where murder, mayhem, and belly laughs are behind every door.

Directed By:

Anne Hering

Get tickets today!

Meet the Cast

Janine Papin

Joy Pointe

Lauren Reed

Bevin Bell-Hall Sarah Polen*

Nick Bublitz

as Britney Cox

as Tawny Fitzsimmons

as Dale James

as Mrs. Bates

Kelly Wells Understudy for Mrs. Bates

as Maude Bender

as Steven Paul, Fronald

Brent Jordan

Understudy for Steven Paul, Fronald

*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers, appearing under a special agreement with Actors' Equity Association.

SEASON 11 Stronger Together

CHICKEN & BISCUITS

By Douglas Lyons

Grab a plate, feed the soul In this hilarious celebration of Black joy, grief and healing, an extended family is brought back to St. Luke’s Church. With a heavy family secret on the verge of being revealed, two sisters are reunited at the celebration of life for their family patriarch whose dry chicken and biscuits were only famous to him. Family stressors abound, Beverly shows up to the chapel with her “blessings” on display, Baneatta’s son brings his Jewish boyfriend along, and Beverly’s nosy daughter keeps asking questions no one wants to answer. While Baneatta’s husband, Reginald, tries to keep the peace, the two sisters are faced with a truth that could either heal or break them. Chicken and Biscuits invites you to grab a fan, have a seat in the pew, and get ready to say “amen.”

Directed By:

Desiree Montes

PREVIEWS / $30+ SEP 15-SEP 17, 2026 PERFORMANCES / $35+ SEP 18-OCT 24, 2026 TALKBACKS OCT 1 & 15 ASL PERFORMANCE OCT 14

Get tickets today!

FAT MAN'S

By Matthew Webster

The art of connection

Winnie, the new local minister of a small Presbyterian church in West Virginia is eager to invigorate and inspire change in her community, while Fat Man is happy with things just the way they are—sipping on sour beer. When Winnie suddenly finds herself as his landlord, a dysfunctional business relationship evolves into an honest and unexpected connection between two stubborn people. Shared values and showing up for each other leads to an unlikely friendship, reigniting their faith in the world. “Fat Man’s is a play about love, tattoos, and discovering the Godliness that lives inside all of us.”

Directed By:

Dimitri Toscas

PREVIEWS / $30+ NOV 17-NOV 19, 2026 PERFORMANCES / $35+ NOV 20-DEC 19, 2026 TALKBACK DEC 10 ASL PERFORMANCE DEC 9

SEASON 11 Stronger Together

COME FROM AWAY

Book, Music & Lyrics By Irene Sankoff & David Hein You are here at the start of a moment...

In the hours following September 11, 2001, uncertainty sweeps the globe. The remote town of Gander, Newfoundland, unexpectedly becomes the landing strip to 38 planes carrying 7,000 travelers. With its population doubled and no time to prepare, the people of Gander open their homes, their hearts, and their lives to these stranded strangers. This Tony and Olivier Award– winning musical, based on an astonishing true story, unfolds through a compelling, folk-inspired score and a cast of remarkable real-life characters.

A heart-forward, joyful celebration of resilience, Come From Away reminds audiences of all ages of the power of creating a community as you’re finding a way home.

Directed By:

Nathaniel Niemi

PREVIEWS / $35+ FEB 2-FEB 4, 2027 PERFORMANCES / $40+ FEB 5-MAR 20, 2027 TALKBACKS FEB 11 & 25, MAR 11 ASL PERFORMANCE MAR 10

MUSIC Directed By:

Bert Rodriguez

Get tickets today!

PRIMARY TRUST

By Eboni Booth

Find your place, find your people Bookstore clerk by day, and Wally’s two for one mai tai regular by night, Kenneth suddenly finds himself facing unemployment and an unfamiliar routine. With the help of his best friend Bert, he is forced to confront a world he has intentionally avoided. Along his journey, he begins to shatter the barriers of his solitude through new friendships, new dreams, and new drinks. A deceptively ordinary story about the extraordinary possibilities inside each of us, this 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning play challenges us to a moving exploration of trust, transformation, and courage.

Directed By:

Jordan Gregson

PREVIEWS / $30+ APR 13-APR 15, 2027 PERFORMANCES / $35+ APR 16-MAY 15, 2027 TALKBACKS APR 22, MAY 6 ASL PERFORMANCE MAY 5

SEASON 11 Stronger Together

Summer Staycation

XANADU

Book by Douglas Carter Beane Music & Lyrics by Jeff Lynne & John Farrar Based on the Universal Pictures film Screenplay by Richard Danus & Marc Rubel

Feel the music, cue the glitter

Picture this [with your polaroid camera]: Venice Beach, California, 1980, “Greek goddess meets mortal boy” story where the ultimate reward is Xanadu. This zany musical featuring the hit songs “Magic,” “Suddenly” and “I’m Alive,” follows the journey of a beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mount Olympus. As she embarks on a quest to inspire a mortal struggling artist, Sonny, they achieve the greatest mythical artistic creation of all time—the first roller disco!

But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation, and comedic chaos ensues. Grab your roller skates, leg warmers, headbands and roll along with us for our exciting Summer Staycation production.

Directed By:

PREVIEWS / $35+ JUN 29-JUL 1, 2027 PERFORMANCES / $40+ JUL 2-AUG 14, 2027 TALKBACKS JUL 8 & 22ND, AUG 5 ASL PERFORMANCE AUG 4

Music Directed By:

Nathaniel Niemi

Justin A. Adams

JOIN THE SIGPRO STUDIO FAMILY &

become a subscriber today!

THE PERKS OF BEING A SUBSCRIBER...

• Secure all four shows at a discounted rate.

• Choose your seats before individual ticket buyers.

• Discount on Summer Staycation add-on.

$89.50 INAUGURAL SUBSCRIPTION RENEWALS $125-140 NEW & RENEWED SUBSCRIPTIONS $35-45 SUMMER STAYCATION 2027 SUBSCRIPTION ADD-ON ON SALE NOW: Inaugural & Subscription Renewals*, Summer Staycation Subscription Add-On, New Subscriptions, Individual Tickets, Summer Staycation Add-On WHERE TO PURCHASE New Subscriptions can be purchased in-person, by phone, and online. *Renewals can only be purchased in-person at any of The Villages Box Offices or by phone. There are no renewals purchased online. For phone orders please call (352) 668-9502.

NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS Can be purchased in-person, online, or by calling (352) 668-9502.

YOUR SEATING All guests will be able to choose their own seats. Our new location offers more seats and more choices with tiered pricing!

THINK AHEAD Be sure you have a few pre-selected dates when you renew. You will be able to choose your dates and your seats at the time of purchase for all four shows of the season!

F E E L T H E R E S U LT S I N T R O D U C TO RY O N E - H O U R

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95

*

$129.95 VALUE

I N T R O D U C TO RY O N E - H O U R

hot stone massage

109

$

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Significant Productions is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that operates The Sharon Performing Arts Center and The SigPro Studio.

SignificantProductions.org | marketing@significantproductions.org 1038 Lake Sumter Landing, The Villages, FL 32162

The Sharon 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 | 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 SigPro Studio.

1030 Old Mill Run, The Villages, FL 32162 © Significant Productions, LLC.