Stuart: Summer of Comedians and Singers at A.C.T. Studio Theatre

A.C.T. Studio Theatre is taking a lighthearted approach to summer.  For three months, they’re swapping their usual brand of thought-provoking Broadway plays for stand-up comedy and music.  This June, July and August, A.C.T. welcomes popular South Florida stand-up comedians and singers who will take you on fun journeys and bring back a host of memories.

June 24:  Stand-up comedian Michael Parenti has performed at all the top clubs in Manhattan.  Now a South Florida favorite with his signature “Clean Comedy,” Michael brings 17 years of experience, quick wit, hilarious stories, clever anecdotes and a touch of crowd work.  He gained his “clean” style reputation by avoiding profanity and offensive material in his act.  Joining him on stage will be his son Andrew who has been doing comedy since the age of 6!    

June 30:  Music Duo Stuart Street Savages.  Don’t let the name scare you!  This duo has put together sounds of classic rock, reggae, and country.  They cover favorite tunes from Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Beatles, Tom Petty and Jimi Hendrix.  

July 22:  Stand-up comedian Peter Fogel is an award-winning comic, actor, and playwright who’s performed internationally for over 25 years.  Peter has been the National Touring Star of Steve Solomon’s hit solo show “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m In Therapy!”  As a writer in Hollywood, Peter was a member of the elite Warner Bros. Comedy Writer’s Workshop.  When Peter is on stage, you can count on non-stop laughs. 

July 29:  Singer Liz Sharp is a force to be reckoned with.  She’s a multi-talented performer who has been singing professionally in South Florida for 20 years.  Prior to that she performed in NY and LA, including a long engagement at the famous Comedy Club Catch a Rising Star in Manhattan.  She also worked for Marvel Productions in LA as a model designer/storyboard artist and received two Emmys for her contributions to “Muppet Babies.”

Aug 5:  “’Til Death Do Us Part... You First! True Confessions about Marriage, Sex, and Other Things that End Prematurely” written by and starring Peter Fogel and directed by Chazz Palminteri, creator of “A Bronx Tale” and Oscar nominee for “Bullets Over Broadway.”  

Eternal bachelor Peter Fogel has major commitment issues as the love of his life has just broken up with him.  He senses his own mortality, and after much soul searching decides to revisit the scenes of all his romantic disasters.  Fogel mixes his signature wit along with riotous relatable characters and takes us on a whirlwind comedic journey.  Fogel, who returns to the A.C.T. stage with his hilarious multi-media solo show laments: “The longest relationship I've had...is with T-Mobile!”

Aug 12:  Lou Villano’s newest show "TIMES OF YOUR LIFE, The Paul Anka Songbook" is receiving rave reviews and standing ovations.  Lou Villano becomes Paul Anka and recreates Paul's actual Live performance shows with arrangements like “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” “You Are My Destiny,” “She's A Lady,” and “My Way.”  You'll hear stories of how Paul met Frank Sinatra, why he wrote Sammy Davis’ “I’m Not Anyone,” and how he wrote “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” for Buddy Holly.  The show is 90 minutes of high energy arrangements that will leave you singing along.

Aug 18, 19, 20:  Matt Stone, Elvis tribute artist, returns to A.C.T.  Yes, Elvis will be in the building with this most remarkable young talent.  Matt will bring you back to 1976 with the recreation of the history-making “Jungle Room” recording sessions that spawned “Moody Blue,” and then take you on the epic moments of Elvis’ Florida tour in the mid 70s with your favorites “It’s Now or Never,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love, “Hound Dog,” “Unchained Melody” and many others! 

Performances will be on stage at A.C.T. Studio Theatre on the above dates.  Show times are 8:00 p.m.; reserved seating is $30 (Savages Duo $20).  See all seven summer shows for a package of $159/person.  For tickets and information, please visit actstudiotheatre.com or call (772) 932-8880.  A.C.T.’s ‘23 – ‘24 Season of Broadway and Off-Broadway plays opens in September with Agatha Christie’s murder mystery “The Mousetrap.”  Please check website for the new season lineup.  A.C.T. Studio Theatre is located in the Cedar Pointe Plaza, 2399 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart.  

Photo Caption:  A.C.T. Studio Theatre presents a Summer of Stand-up Comedians and Singers. Clockwise from top left:  Peter Fogel, Michael Parenti, Andrew Parenti, Lou Villano and Johnny Mac. Not shown: Matt Stone as Elvis. Tickets and info: actstudiotheatre.com; (772) 932-8880. Tickets $30. Photos courtesy of performers.