If you’re nostalgic for the good old days (and who’s not) then you will remember when a Broadway play was a legendary outing during good times and bad.
If you were celebrating a milestone event, or just wanted to exercise your brain or your funny bone, then live entertainment was the key to a good life.
Some things never change. And the good news is that Delray Beach Playhouse is one of them. Of course there are small changes, like softer new Red Velvet cushioned seats that are angled toward the stage, new furniture in the lobby and more elaborate landscaping around the theater.
But one thing has stayed static over the past 78 years – and that is wonderful programming that ranges from Off-Broadway Plays to Comedies, Musicals, Cabarets, Tribute Concerts, Children’s Theatrical productions, and more.
The good news is that unlike many Regional Theaters, The Delray Beach Playhouse is independent in many glorious ways. And in today’s world that is something to applaud.
“As we approach our 78th season, the Delray Beach Playhouse has never been stronger. We are booked almost every week for the entire year and are not just relying on snowbirds. People live here year round and have made the Delray Beach Playhouse their home theater. We draw people from Delray, Boynton, Boca and Lake Worth,” said Executive Director Kevin Barrett.
You bet they do.
Their lunchbox matinee, “Tribute to Barbara Streisand” with singer Joy Altman on November 25th is already sold out. So is the amazing and marvelous Tova Feldshuh performance “TOVAH IS LEONA.”
But don’t despair, there are many more plays, tribute concerts, musicals and entertainment that will thrill and excite you.
One of them is the critically acclaimed cabaret show with Tony Danza from April 15th to 18th called Standards & Stories. The show, that’s received rave reviews, features, beloved classics songs, engaging storytelling, ukulele performances, and tap dancing.
Don’t miss the chance to be entertained by the multi-talented Tony Danza and his band. The performance promises to be sensational. According to the New York Times, “Tony radiates irresistible charm… and exudes the kind of charisma that can’t be taught!”
If you love Broadway legends then you will be on the edge of your seat for another classic theatrical production – The Producers. This Award Winning Play is the quintessential musical comedy by legendary comic genius Mel Books. It runs from November 22 to December 15, 2024.
The Producers is the story of two theatrical producers who scheme to get rich by fraudulently overselling interests in a Broadway musical designed to fail. Complications arise when the show is a surprise hit. At the core of the insanely funny adventure is a poignant emotional journey of two very different men who become friends. The Broadway production won 12 Tony Awards for Best Musical and 11 Drama Desk Awards.
If you want to be uplifted and entertained during the day, try their LUNCH BOX MATINEE. This unique experience gives you lunch and a show for one price. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon with friends and family or solo.
Lunch Box Matinees this season include “TEVYE IN NEW YORK!” From March 12 to 16th by acclaimed performer Tom Dugan. This funny and poignant one-man musical is based off Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof. The musical is filled with laughter, heartbreak, and joy.
There is also a new Lunch Box Matinee on January 29, 2025 called, Tell ME A Story.
If all of life is a play, then you will be thrilled to know that they also have a thriving PLAYHOUSE ARTS ACADEMY. This includes theater education with diverse classes for all ages and skill levels.
This educational-theatrical based school is for everyone – from seniors to small children. For Seniors (55 and older) looking to hone up their theatrical skills or just enjoy the thrill of the experience on stage there is BUBBIES for BROADWAY: PART 1 is called, “Musical Theatre for the Young at Heart!” And PART 2 is “Acting & Improv for Seniors!”
For young people there are BROADWAY Kids & Teens Show Programs for ages 7 to 16. FROZEN JR. is for Ages 7-16 at an Advanced Level and MUSICAL THEATER KIDS! For Ages 7-12 for Intermediate Level. There is also FUN CAMP ALL STARS! For beginners ages 7-12.
“The Playhouse Arts Academy is proud to have built a safe space for kids and adults to be creative! We want to bring the community together and everyone is welcome,” said Delray Beach Playhouse Education Director, Jessie Dez.
The Delray Beach Playhouse also pays homage to its long time Artistic Director Randolph DelLago. To honor his 40 years of artistic direction – and dedication to the theater – they are renaming the theatre’s Annual Actors Awards Gala in his honor.
The 2024 DelLago Awards Gala honoring performances from last season are on November 7, 2024, at the Delray Beach Playhouse.
“It was important for us to come up with a way to honor Randy’s legacy here at the Playhouse. Renaming the annual Gala “The Del-Lago Awards” in his honor, along with establishing a special award that will be given to all the winners in his name, seemed like the perfect way to keep his memory alive year after year moving forward,” said Barrett.
The Delray Beach Playhouse has been called “The Miracle on Lake Ida Park.” It is a place of wonderful music, comedy, theater and remembrance. They also offer light snacks, beer and wine.
“We have a small stage, but a big vision where big things happen. We run everything with a very small staff, but we have a very busy building,” adds Barrett.
Add free parking, reasonable prices, acting classes, a lovely patio outside and you have an extravaganza of the arts.
Come to the epicenter of live entertainment and theater in this historic home for the arts. Built in 1957, it retains the same heart-warming heritage of those whose vision protected its theatrical patronage.
For information go to: delraybeachplayhouse.com and see what’s happening at this hidden gem on Lake Ida. Auditions are posted as well.
THE DELRAY BEACH PLAYHOUSE 950 NW 9th Street
Delray Beach, FL 33444
Box Office: 561-272-1281
