That’s entertainment
Local theaters packed with drama, song and laughs this holiday season
In addition to multiple theater programs and community theaters, the Treasure Coast is home to three professional venues: Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach, the Sunrise Theater in Fort Pierce, and The Lyric Theatre in Stuart. Tickets to see the talent and variety they showcase are a memorable gift or special occasion idea.
As an extra holiday treat, Tchaikovsky’s beloved The Nutcracker is coming to all three theaters: Ballet Vero Beach’s production is Dec. 13-14 at Riverside; St. Lucie Ballet performs Dec. 5 at the Sunrise; International Ballet Stars present The Nutcracker performs Dec. 23 at the Sunrise; and on Dec. 19-21, St. Lucie Ballet and Treasure Coast Ballet take The Lyric stage.
NOT JUST DRAMA
Riverside Theatre, built in 1973, has seen many improvements and additions over the years. The first and only Equity company in the area, it is one of the largest professional theaters in Florida. Two stages — the Stark and Waxlax — have evening and matinee performances, while the Comedy Zone features stand-up. There’s also a pet-friendly hotel, affiliated with the theater, for a staycation or out-of-town guests.
Ringing in 2026 is the musical comedy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, winner of four Tony awards. Combining murder and mayhem with great music and unforgettable character, the show runs in the 692-seat Stark from Jan. 9 -Feb. 1.
Mauritus follows from Feb. 3-22 at the more intimate, 206-seat Waxlax. This dramatic comedy by Theresa Rebeck pits unscrupulous con men against unsuspecting sisters in possession of rare stamps, for suspense and thrills sprinkled with laughs.
Broadway hit Jesus Christ, Superstar, with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, commands the Stark stage Feb. 26-March 22. Based on the four gospels, Jesus Christ, Superstar tells the story of Jesus’ relationships with his followers during the Roman occupation, through song.
What better way to beat South Florida’s springtime heat than by “traveling” to a cold, enchanted New England evening for nine plays in one? Almost, Maine by John Cariani comes to the Waxlax March 24 -April 12. Under an aurora borealis-kissed sky, Almost, Maine’s characters transform from strangers to friends; from friends to lovers; from lovers to strangers.
Riverside’s 2025-26 season ends at the Stark with 9 to 5 - the Musical, based on the movie. This high-energy comedy celebrates both female friendship — and appropriate revenge.
on Feb. 28. SUNRISE THEATRE
MUSIC AND MORE
The Sunrise Theatre has been entertaining, off and on, for more than a century. Built in 1923 for movies and vaudeville, the City of Fort Pierce now owns and operates it as a modern performing arts center that presents numerous one-night shows throughout the season.
Casey N Spaz Comedy presents stand-up comedians regularly at its Black Box Theatre. Comics coming to the 1,200-seat main stage include Chelcie Lynn’s Loose Lips Tour, Henry Cho’s The Empty Nest Tour, Whose Live Anyway — based on the improv television show Whose Line is it Anyway — and Hannah Berner’s None of My Business Tour.
For dance enthusiasts, the National Dance Company of Ireland brings Rhythm of the Dance, featuring champion dancers, as well as traditional musicians and singers. International Ballet Stars will also perform Swan Lake.
Menopause the Musical 2, a “hilarious and heartfelt look at the joys of menopause and friendship,” may be geared to women, but all music lovers have much to choose from at the Sunrise. The Allman Betts Family Reunion, led by sons of the Allman Brothers’ founders, will appear in December, as will Three Dog Night — now in its 6th decade.
The Barricade Boys Broadway Party is a blend of iconic show tunes and other popular hits. Other musical acts include Grammy winner jazz trumpeter Chris Botti and Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue, fusing rock, pop, jazz, funk, and hip hop.
Most acts on the Sunrise schedule are tribute shows in various genres. Elvis fans will enjoy Memories of Elvis - Rockin’ Birthday Bash, while jazz lovers can turn back the clock with Louis Armstrong-inspired And It’s a Wonderful World of Jazz.
The Phil Collins Experience brings the music of Phil Collins and Genesis. At A1A - the Official Jimmy Buffet Tribute, flip flops and Hawaiian shirts are optional. Proud Tina pays homage to Tina Turner.
Other tribute bands bring the music of the Bee Gees, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, Electric Light Orchestra, John Denver, Carole King and Queen.
AT THE LYRIC
To start the New Year off, Casey N Spaz Comedy presents OMGITSWICKS [a.k.a., Josh Robinson], on Jan. 3. Known for Florida-specific sketches, he will be joined by comics Myke Herlihy, Dwayne Williams and, of course, Casey Peruski and Michael “Spaz” McGoorty.
Steve Solomon [My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy] continues his one-man comedy/therapy with From Brooklyn and Broadway. One of the top stand-up comics in the nation, Tom Papa comes to The Lyric Feb. 20.
Dog-lovers and comedy-lovers alike will enjoy Mutts Gone Nuts [Unleashed]. And who doesn’t like magic? Reza- Edge of Illusion combines magic, illusion and interactive comedy.
Singer and pianist Bruce Hornsby’s Dec. 9 show was sold out months ago, but there are plenty of other acts to choose from. Legendary pianist Peter White returns to The Lyric for A Peter White Christmas. Sister Sadie is a Grammy-nominated, ground-breaking, all-female bluegrass band. Paul Thorn uniquely blends blues, country, rock and gospel.
After 15 years on Broadway in The Phantom of the Opera, Jeremy Stolle invites audiences to clap along during his one-man show No More Talk of Darkness. Selwyn Birchwood dubs his sound “electric swamp funkin’ blues.” Guitarist Jesse Cook has toured for 25 years, combining flamenco, classical, jazz, zydeco, blues, and Brazilian samba.
Las Vegas headliners present Soul of the 70s. Former members of The Band and The Levon Helm Band will perform favorites and original material as The Weight Band. Under the Streetlamp features a harmonizing foursome singing the “songs you love.” Human Nature takes audiences Back to the Sound of Motown, while Sixtiesmania promises the best of that era of rock’n’roll.
Film musicals will be celebrated in 100 Years of Hollywood. The Brubeck Brothers Quartet is reminiscent of jazz legend Dave Brubeck. You can also hear Spyro Gyra, Jimmie Vaughan and the Tilt-a-Whirl Band, the Rhinestone Cowgirls, the Bronx Wanderers, and Wishbone Ash.
The Lyric also offers tributes galore: The Dream Concert brings the music of Paul Anka and Bobby Darin. Jackie Wilson pays tribute to his R&B star father, Jackie. Pure Zeppelin is led by Treasure Coast resident Michael “Spaz” McGoorty.
Slow things down with The Three American Troubadours, who perform the music of James Taylor, Carly Simon and Carole King. John Pizzarelli and Catherine Russell’s show Billie and Blue Eyes pays homage to Billie Holliday and Frank Sinatra, and Black Tie Optional’s tribute to Michael Bublé and others makes the perfect Valentine’s Day date.
Other tributes scheduled include Creedence Clearwater Revival; Stevie Wonder; Neil Diamond; the Bee Gees; Aretha Franklin; Frankie Valli; Steely Dan; The Temptations and Four Tops; Crosby, Stills and Nash; the Doobie Brothers; Foreigner and Journey; and the Blues Brothers.
PLAN AHEAD
Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, surprising date nights, or simply want to appreciate quality performances, visit theater websites for dates, times and ticket prices. But don’t wait too long — some shows will sell out. Also, check websites regularly, as dates and shows may be added or changed.
RIVERSIDE THEATRE
3250 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963
772.231.6990 or riversidetheatre.com
SUNRISE THEATRE
117 S. Second St., Fort Pierce, FL 34950
772.461.4775 or sunrisetheatre.com
THE LYRIC THEATRE
59 SW Flagler Ave., Stuart, FL 34994
772.286.7827 or lyrictheatre.com
