Island City Stage Presents The Musical ZANNA DON'T!

The joyous and gleeful musical "Zanna Don't" bounds its way into Island City Stage to ring in the New Year with heart and hope.

With book, music and lyrics by Tim Acito (with additional book and lyrics by Alexander Dinelaris, a former Barry University student) the musical became a surprise Off Broadway hit in 2003 and made a star out of Jai Rodriguez, who went on to be a regular on the popular tv series Queer Eye for the Straight Guy. Island City Stage's production is being directed by Artistic Director Andy Rogow and features Conor Walton, Darcy Hernandez-Gil, Mallory Newbrough, Eric O'Keefe, Sahid Pabon, Randall Swinton, Devin Tupler and Arrow ZurSchmiede.

Rounding out the production team are musical director Michael Ursua, choreographer Andy Fiacco, costume designer Peter Lovello, lighting designer Ardean Landhuis, scenic designer Natalie Tavares and sound designer David Hart.

"Zanna, Don't!" transports us to the town of Heartsville where being gay is the norm and heterosexuality is taboo. Most of the action centers around the students at heterophobic Heartsville High, where the local magical matchmaker Zanna brings together happy couples; that is until the football team's new quarterback and the captain of the Girl's Intramural Mechanical Bull Riding Team start to discover feelings for each other.

"I've been wanting to direct this show for many years," says Rogow. "I often listen to the score in my car. The music is infectious and the story is just fun and charming. You can't help but feel good when you listen to it."

"Zanna, Don't!" begins previews Jan. 11 and 12 at 8:00 pm and Jan. 13 at 2:00 pm, with a press and Carbonell opening on Jan. 13 at 8:00 pm. The production runs through Feb. 11. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm and Sundays at 5:00 pm at Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors. For tickets and information go to islandcitystage.org or call the box office at 954-519-2533.