Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

Ragtime star Joshua Henry to star in "Get Up, Stand Up!" backed by Gulf Coast Symphony on Sunday, January 25, at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall.

The Robin Dawn Academy Holiday Showcase 2025 takes place at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall on Monday, December 15. Academy dancers ages 3–18 will light up the stage with high-energy routines in every style — ballet, jazz, hip hop, and more — set to favorite holiday hits.

When daily 10-hour practice sessions at the University of Indiana caused tendonitis, violinist Janice Martin focused on vocals, dance and the Alexander Technique for mind-body balance. But it was a performance by Cirque du Soleil that got her thinking about combining violin with aerial silks and hoops.

This year, there are 27 performances of this holiday favorite by eight ballet companies and three symphony orchestras.

For 15 years, Gulf Coast Symphony has opened the holiday season with “Deck the Halls” at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall. The symphony’s director and maestro, Andrew Kurtz, works hard to make the annual concert unique. He’s outdone himself this year with aerial violinist Janice Martin.

For 20 years, Gulf Coast Symphony has started its season at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall with a Halloween concert for children and their parents. The immersive afternoon of activities begins a 1 p.m. in the lobby, which will be converted into a haven for young witches, wizards and Muggles that includes a musical discovery zone.

The High School Musical Theatre Awards take place at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9 at the Barbara B Mann Performing Art Hall at FSW. Patterned after the Tony Awards, the evening features performances by each participating school along with awards in a number of categories, including Best Overall Production, Best Ensemble and Best Actor and Supporting Actor in both Male-Identifying and Female-Identifying roles.

When West Side Story premiered in September of 1957, theater critic Walter Kerr wrote, “The radioactive fallout from ‘West Side Story’ must still be descending on Broadway this morning.” Against a backdrop of midnight arrests and deportation flights, the musical’s portrayal of the immigrant experience promises to be just as explosive. But Gulf Coast Symphony’s production of “West Side Story” this weekend will also remind audiences of the role great theater plays in telling and retelling timeless stories filled with iconic characters and music.

Lewis Black’s voice has become synonymous to comedy after 30 years in the business. Before he leaves the stage, shares what fans can expect from his final shows in Florida.

Live theater lovers have two dozen productions to choose from this week, including ten new shows, a holiday tradition and two different performances of the Nutcracker ballet.