Performances by students from ages 5 to 15 are February 15 and 16
The YMCA of South Florida’s annual “Teen Broadway” program takes center stage with the presentation of an original play, Where Is Happily Ever After?: The Reality within, on Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Victory Black Box Theatre, in the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center, 1409 NW 6th Street, Fort Lauderdale.
This production, presented by Flagstar Foundation, marks the seventh year of the YMCA of South Florida’s Teen Broadway performances, where students from ages five to 15 have the chance to experience what it takes to be part of a full-scale performance. Continuing with the tradition of focusing on a different theme each year, this play explores the universal desire of a “happily ever after” feeling through the stories of a group of friends navigating their personal battles with everyday social stressors. The narrative delves into how social pressures, such as fear, joy, sadness, anger, embarrassment, envy and depression, affect their daily lives. Through powerful performances, the play highlights the hidden struggles that today’s youth face, including family obligations, financial hardships, disabilities, self-image issues and the impact of increased school violence.
The Y’s Teen Broadway is an enrichment literacy program focused on the arts in assisting and educating students to develop life skills, such as problem-solving, team building, collaboration, creativity, public speaking, mental wellness, and pre/post media production.
“We are incredibly proud of our Teen Broadway program for continuing to provide a platform for young voices to explore real-life challenges,” said Sharon Hughes, Family & Youth Resource Director for the YMCA of South Florida. “This year’s performance tackles the complex issue of a child mental wellness and its impact on youth, shedding light on struggles that often go unnoticed. Through creativity and collaboration, our students not only tell their stories, but also develop invaluable life skills that will serve them well beyond the stage.”
Early bird discount tickets are $10 and can be purchased online at https://ymcasouthflorida.org/event/teen-broadway-where-is-happily-ever-after/2025-02-15/. Day-of-performance tickets are $15 and will be available for purchase on site at the Victory Black Box Theatre. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.
For more information about the Y, visit ymcasouthflorida.org.
About the YMCA of South Florida
For more than a century, the YMCA has been woven into the fabric of the South Florida community. As an award-winning nonprofit, the Y is committed to strengthening community through more than 200 programs serving everyone from six months old to 100 years young. Our Family Centers and programs are inclusive, vibrant hubs of community life, offering a diverse array of classes, cutting-edge fitness facilities, life-saving aquatics, exciting community events, unforgettable camps, supportive afterschool care, and holistic health and wellness programming. At the Y, there’s something for everyone. Join the movement by connecting with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or YMCASouthFlorida.org.
About the Victory Black Box Theatre
The Victory Black Box Theatre is a 2,000-square foot full-service event space located inside the L.A. Lee YMCA/Mizell Community Center in Fort Lauderdale’s historic Sistrunk neighborhood. This is where some of the greatest performers, including Cannon Ball Adderley, Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, Buddy Johnson, Cab Calloway, Count Basie and B.B. King, played to packed houses on barnstorming tours that ran along the East Coast.
With a seating capacity of 200, a professional grade audio system and theatrical lighting capabilities, the Theatre has the capability to host parties, performances, company gatherings, graduations and classes, and is available for rent. The name pays homage to the former Victory Theatre, which stood less than a mile from the Y, and operated as early as 1945 when it was the only theatre in Fort Lauderdale where Black patrons were allowed during segregation. For more information on the Victory Black Box Theatre, please visit ymcasouthflorida.org/victorybbt/ or email VictoryBBT@ymcasouthflorida.org.
