Bradley Keville

The holidays are upon us and with it we have the pleasure of being surrounded by the looks and sounds of the season. Our local theatres are doing their part by presenting some memorable holiday tales. I have made it a point this year to delve into the holiday season and make it one full of joy so what could bring one more inner happiness than by seeing a?oeIt's a Wonderful Life?a?? Manatee Performing Arts Center is performing the story that will warm your heart.

Cabaret is a 1966 musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Joe Masteroff. The original Broadway production became such a hit it inspired several productions and revivals in New York and premiered in London's West End in 1968. Cabaret, the film, was produced in 1972, directed by Bob Fosse, and starred Liza Minnelli, Michael York, and Joel Grey. The film is particularly known for Liza Minnelli's rendition of 'Cabaret', a song she would come to sing in concert halls worldwide. It became her trademark.

The Bridges of Madison County, one of the most romantic stories ever written, is now an irresistible, two-time Tony Award-Winning Broadway musical. This stunning new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award-Winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that draws upon the rich textures of Americana and folk and the sweeping, expressive balladry of classic Broadway. The Daily News hails it as 'one of Broadway's best scores in the last decade.' with a book by Pulitzer Prize Winner Marcia Norman (The Secret Garden, The Color Purple). The production is Directed by Kathy Pingel, Music Directed by Thomas Guthrie, Choreographed by Vanessa Russo. Featuring Set Design by Donna Buckalter, Lighting Design by Ryan E. Finzelber, Costume Design by Becky Evans and Stage Management by Tiffany Smith.

The Bridges of Madison County, one of the most romantic stories ever written, is now an irresistible, two-time Tony Award-Winning Broadway musical. This stunning new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award-Winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that draws upon the rich textures of Americana and folk and the sweeping, expressive balladry of classic Broadway. The Daily News hails it as 'one of Broadway's best scores in the last decade.' with a book by Pulitzer Prize Winner Marcia Norman (The Secret Garden, The Color Purple). The production is Directed by Kathy Pingel, Music Directed by Thomas Guthrie, Choreographed by Vanessa Russo. Featuring Set Design by Donna Buckalter, Lighting Design by Ryan E. Finzelber, Costume Design by Becky Evans and Stage Management by Tiffany Smith.

The Bridges of Madison County, one of the most romantic stories ever written, is now an irresistible, two-time Tony Award-Winning Broadway musical. This stunning new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award-Winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that draws upon the rich textures of Americana and folk and the sweeping, expressive balladry of classic Broadway. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action at Manatee Performing Arts Center below!

The Bridges of Madison County, one of the most romantic stories ever written, is now an irresistible, two-time Tony Award-Winning Broadway musical. This stunning new production features gorgeous, soulful music by Tony Award-Winning composer Jason Robert Brown (Parade, The Last Five Years) that draws upon the rich textures of Americana and folk and the sweeping, expressive balladry of classic Broadway. The Daily News hails it as 'one of Broadway's best scores in the last decade.' with a book by Pulitzer Prize Winner Marcia Norman (The Secret Garden, The Color Purple). The production is Directed by Kathy Pingel, Music Directed by Thomas Guthrie, Choreographed by Vanessa Russo. Featuring Set Design by Donna Buckalter, Lighting Design by Ryan E. Finzelber, Costume Design by Becky Evans and Stage Management by Tiffany Smith.

This show is the standard by which all other musicals are measured. Based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, with book, music and lyrics by Lerner and Loewe, My Fair Lady is gloriously triumphant. The tale of a cockney flower girl transformed into an elegant lady features one of musical theatre's greatest scores. Songs include "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?," "With a Little Bit of Luck," "The Rain in Spain," "I Could Have Danced All Night," "On the Street Where You Live," "Get Me to the Church on Time," and "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face." The production is directed by Steve Dawson and Music Directed by Paul Smith. Featuring set design by Caleb Carrier, lighting design by Michael Pasquini, with costume design by Becky Evans and stage management by Tiffany Smith.

The Manatee Performing Arts Center presents Manatee Players' production of PHANTOM, running now through May 8th in Stone Hall. Directed by Steve Dawson, choreographed by Vanessa Russo, and musically directed by Aaron Cassette, this musical is a must-see. Watch as the Phantom reveals himself only by the strength of his love through beautiful music. Below, BroadwayWorld has an inside look at last night's opening reception!

The Manatee Performing Arts Center presents Manatee Players' production of Phantom: April 21st - May 8th in Stone Hall. Directed by Steve Dawson, choreographed by Vanessa Russo, and musically directed by Aaron Cassette, this musical is a must-see. Watch as the Phantom reveals himself only by the strength of his love through beautiful music. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Manatee Players' production of BRIGADOON opens in Stone Hall at the Manatee Performing Arts Center on Thursday January 8 and plays through Sunday January 25, 2015.