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Local creative and entrepreneurial ‘stars’ of this new summer-theater venture
aim to reconnect the community with the power of the performing arts
A new semi-professional theatre company, Miami Theatre Works, makes its debut on the local summer-theater scene with a performance of the hilarious cult musical, [title of show], Aug. 6-8 and 11-12 at the Coral Gables Art Cinema.
Billed as “the musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical,” this witty and widely popular show takes a hilarious look at the pleasures and perils of attempting to write a new, original Broadway Musical.
[title of show] follows the true story of creators and cast members Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell alongside their female castmates Susan Blackwell and Heidi Blickenstaff as they all navigate the truth and insanity of building a musical from the ground up.
Consisting of just four actors and a pianist, this local production stars Michael Stoddard as Jeff, Owen Reynolds as Hunter, Stephanie Staszak as Heidi, and Natalie Veater as Susan. Rounding out the cast on stage will be Jared Peroune at the piano.
Creator and executive director of Miami Theatre Works (MTW), Michael Stoddard is no stranger to running theatre companies, having spent the last 15 years developing theater programs in Milwaukee and Miami. He is best known for creating Community Theatre Works, one of Milwaukee’s largest educational summer theatre programs today.
“We have mourned the loss of live theater for over a year due to COVID, and I am honored to be a small part of reconnecting our community with the power of the performing arts,” says Stoddard, who is also serving as director of MTW’S inaugural performance. “I hope this is the first of many shows I can offer to the abundance of Miami artists and its patrons each summer.”
Stoddard recently joined forces with local businessman Bob Reynolds who is supporting the creation of the new theater company, because he, too, sees a great opportunity here to give back to the community.
“With a goal of presenting one production per summer, Miami Theater Works will add opportunity to the many wonderful theater artists in the Miami area in a fresh and unique way,” says Reynolds, a lifelong fan and supporter of the arts and live theater. “I truly feel this community needs all the live performance theater it can get, and especially after having finally turned the corner on the pandemic.
“We’re ready and so is Miami.”
Although Miami Theatre Works has no permanent home, it plans to enjoy the many unique live-performance spaces Miami has to offer that best fit the needs of each subsequent summer production. This year [title of show] will be shown at the Coral Gables Art Cinema.
Currently Theater Director at Palmer Trinity, Stoddard entered the South Florida scene five years ago after having created and managed Milwaukee Theater Work for 16 years to incredible acclaim. Today, working with Reynolds, the two are introducing what they hope to be a similarly successful formula for the Miami arts scene.
“In 2019, I began to seriously weigh the pros and cons of the idea of starting a small summer theater company. Starting a theater company anywhere is a gamble, but I love this city and believe that with the right people, like Bob Reynolds and his family, we can help local talent and production people who can’t find local work and are waiting for opportunities,” says Stoddard.
[title of show] performances will begin on Friday, Aug. 6 and run through Thursday Aug. 12, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. The Aug. 5 Invitation Dress Rehearsal is reserved primarily for the news media. Coral Gables Art Cinema is located at 260 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134.
Visit www.miamitheatreworks.com or call 786-505-7903 for exact show times and to purchase tickets. Seating is limited so pre-order your tickets today. For Group Sales, contact WTW via email at miamitheatreworks@gmail.com
*This show is not recommended for children due to adult language.
