Summer Stages: BWW's Top Summer Theater Picks - Orlando

While it seems like it has been summer in Orlando since February, officially summer begins in June. As the temperature continues to rise, consider beating the heat by visiting one of our local theaters. Here are my picks for Orlando's coolest summer productions:

Kid pick: Orlando Shakespeare's RAPUNZEL - June 19th - July 27

Before the mouse turned RAPUNZEL into a super girly princess, the Brothers Grimm created the original fairy tale. Now it has been adapted by Brandon Roberts for the Orlando Shakes' Children's Series with a fresh twist that promises to be fun for the whole family. Complete with a brave princess, a clueless king, and a magical plunger, audiences of all ages will enjoy this silly production. There is an evil enchantress that steals away young girl and locks her up in a lonely tower. As we all know, as Rapunzel grows up, so does her hair. Rapunzel must escape the tower and the clutches of the evil witch.

Come early to join members of the cast for interactive pre-show fun! For more info and ticket visit www.orlandoshakes.org

Date night pick: Theatre UCF's THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE - July 10 - August 24

Everyone remembers their childhood spelling bee nightmares. Putting those feelings into a musical makes for a comedic night of kid's dreams getting crushed, high expectations, and some complex words. THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE makes it way to Theatre UCF this season. It is the perfect date night musical because it's light, encourages audience participation, and has some catchy tunes.

For tickets and directions visit http://theatre.cah.ucf.edu/events.php?id=2499. Contains some mature language.

Feel good pick: Mad Cow Theatre's HAIR - June 6 - July 6

Hippies, rock music, sexual revolution what else could feel so good. HAIR originally made its Broadway debut in 1967 and truly defined "rock musicals," then was followed by a film adaptation in 1979. While the material deals with bohemian politically active hippies who are struggling in New York City and fighting against the Vietnam War, it is the music that makes the production unforgettable. Some of the most famous songs include: "Aquarius," "Let the Sun Shine In," "Good Morning Starshine," and "Easy to be Hard" and "Hair."

For tickets visit http://www.madcowtheatre.com/. In keeping with the feel of the production, there is strong language and brief nudity.

Throwback pick: Winter Park Playhouse's SHOUT THE MOD MUSICAL - June 20 - 29 & July 10 19

SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL debuted at the Winter Park Playhouse four years ago and was so popular that it returns this summer. SHOUT! tells the story of five women coming of age in 1960's London and features an irresistible collection of well-loved songs by Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield, LuLu and more, including "Downtown," "Don't Sleep In The Subway," "Son of a Preacher Man," and "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me."

Get your tickets today at http://www.winterparkplayhouse.org/

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These are just a fraction of the shows happening this summer. Between the plays, summer camp productions, avoid the heat and come to one of our many local theaters. Let us know what you saw and what you think!

Photo Credits: Top - Landon St. Gordon / Orlando Shakespeare Theater; Bottom - Tom Hurst/ Mad Cow Theatre

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